Pima Animal Care Center resumes pet adoptions in Tucson

Pet adoptions are resuming Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Pima Animal Care Center, officials said.

The adoptions at the shelter, 4000 N. Silverbell Road, begin at noon. The shelter will waive the adoption fee for all pets, including puppies and kittens, through Nov. 20.

On Nov. 9, the center halted pet admissions and adoptions to combat two canine-related illnesses — distemper and “strep zoo” — that could be deadly if not quickly treated, officials said in a news release.

Thirteen dogs tested positive for either disease, and shelter staff reduced services as an extra precaution to prevent the disease from spreading into the community, officials said.

The center staff successfully isolated all of the possibly exposed dogs to continue their prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The shelter’s medical staff said all of the dogs have responded well to the treatment and they have not had any news cases of distemper or strep zoo.

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In addition, all of the shelter’s cats and kittens remained healthy and unaffected by the diseases, which primarily impact canines, officials said.

The free adoption special will apply to all pets that normally carry a $50 adoption fee. All adopted pets will come spayed or neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations. The pets also are microchipped and will have a free vet visit, officials said.

This special applies to pets adopted from the main shelter and will extend to those at five participating PetSmart locations. A $17 licensing fee may apply to adult dogs.

For more information, go to PACC’s website, webcms.pima.gov/government/pima_animal_care_center