Osceola County Animal Services announced Sunday it has temporarily suspended non-emergency dog intakes, due to an increase in upper respiratory illness cases.
The pause will protect the health and well-being of animals currently in the shelter's care, officials said.
Dogs are still eligible for adoption from the shelters, as the illness is treatable with medication, and dogs recover faster in a calm, clean home environment — which is why adoption and fostering are so important right now.
Animal Services would love families to, at the least, foster a pet like a dog during this trying time, as these dogs still need loving homes, and many are already on the road to recovery.
If you find a stray dog, Animal Services officials urge you to not to approach or attempt to confine it, as most lost pets are usually not far from home. If you do have the pet, post to neighborhood social media groups (Facebook, Nextdoor, PawBoost), check osceolacountypets.com/lost-and-found-pets to see if it's already been reported lost.
Learn more at osceolacountypets.com or call 407-742-8000.