Austin Pets Alive seeks emergency foster homes for dogs recovering from distemper

Austin Pets Alive is reaching out to the Austin community to help save 20 dogs from euthanasia at a nearby shelter, according to a June 15 announcement from the APA.

The dogs are located at Bastrop County Animal Shelter, which is facing an outbreak of distemper—a contagious disease that affects dogs and other wildlife and can cause fever and lethargy, among other ailments.

All 20 dogs are recovering from distemper and will require foster homes within the next 48 hours to avoid facing euthanasia in an attempt to make room for incoming pets.

“To save these dogs, we need your help now more than ever,” APA President and CEO Dr. Ellen Jefferson said. “All of these dogs imminently face euthanasia unless people like you open your hearts and homes to save them.”

APA said the dogs are friendly and available for adoption. However, due to the nature of distemper, the recovering dogs will require a home either without other dogs or ferrets or with healthy fully vaccinated adult dogs, according to the APA.

Distemper is spread through respiratory secretions and the urine of an infected animal but is easily prevented with routine vaccinations, and therefore vaccinated pets are not at any risk, according to the APA.

Those who are available to foster within the next 48 hours can email [email protected].