DISTEMPER CLOSURE - JUNE 2026
Companion Animal Alliance Temporarily Suspends Dog Adoptions and Limits Intake Due to Canine Distemper Cases
Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) has identified cases of canine distemper within our dog population and has activated comprehensive disease-response protocols to protect the health and welfare of the animals in our care.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and certain wildlife species. Like many animal shelters across the country, CAA accepts animals from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may be incubating illness before symptoms become apparent.
Upon identifying suspected cases, our veterinary team immediately implemented enhanced disease-control measures, including isolation of affected animals, expanded testing, increased monitoring, enhanced sanitation protocols, and additional vaccination efforts for at-risk animals.
The health and safety of the animals entrusted in our care is our highest priority. While disease outbreaks are an unfortunate reality in animal sheltering, particularly in open-intake facilities, CAA has established protocols in place to respond quickly and aggressively when illness is identified.
As the open-intake shelter for East Baton Rouge Parish, CAA accepts every animal that comes through our doors regardless of age, health status, breed, or behavioral condition. With approximately 9,000 animals entering our facility annually, infectious disease prevention and management are a critical component of daily shelter operations.
Our veterinary and animal care teams are working diligently to limit disease transmission while continuing to provide lifesaving care to the thousands of animals who depend on us each year. We are consulting with shelter medicine experts and closely monitoring the situation to ensure our response reflects current best practices.
Recent adopters, foster caregivers, rescue partners, and volunteers who may have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact CAA directly. Individuals who have recently adopted a dog should monitor their pet for signs of illness and consult their veterinarian if concerns arise. Pet owners should also ensure their dogs are up to date on core vaccinations, including the distemper vaccine, which provides strong protection against the disease.
Current Shelter Operations
As CAA continues to work to protect the health of the animals in our care:
Cat adoptions will continue as normal.
Dog intake services will be limited to emergency cases only until further notice.
Additional operational updates will be shared as they become available.
We understand that news of a disease outbreak can be concerning for our community. We are committed to transparency and will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available.
How You Can Help
The community can support our response efforts by:
Donating to CAA's Sick & Injured Fund to help cover the cost of additional diagnostics and treatment.
Ensuring personal pets are up to date on vaccinations.
Continuing to support the lifesaving work of CAA during this challenging time.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as our team works through this situation. Our focus remains on the health, safety, and welfare of every animal in our care.
What Pet Owners Should Watch For
Canine distemper is a serious and often life-threatening virus. Distemper has an estimated 50% death rate for adult dogs and up to an 80% death rate for puppies.
Because distemper is a virus, vaccination and quarantine are the primary methods used to help prevent disease spread.
Anyone who has adopted or fostered a dog from CAA in the past three weeks should closely monitor the animal for signs of illness and contact a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
Common Symptoms
Discharge from the eyes or nose
Fever
Coughing
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Other Symptoms
Walking in circles or being unable to follow a straight path
Head tilt
Lack of coordination
Muscle twitches
Convulsions with jaw-chewing movements, sometimes called “chewing gum fits,” and drooling
Seizures
Partial or complete paralysis
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs have canine distemper?
CAA is currently testing animals to determine the scope of exposure. Dogs can be asymptomatic and still shed the virus. So far, approximately five dogs have tested positive.
How long has the outbreak been going on at CAA?
CAA identified the outbreak on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2026.
Why is CAA stopping adoptions and limiting intake now?
The situation has become a shelter-wide concern. It would not be ethical to allow dog adoptions while we are uncertain whether a dog has been exposed to or infected with canine distemper.
Does CAA automatically vaccinate dogs for distemper when they come in?
Yes. CAA vaccinates dogs for distemper upon intake. However, depending on how long a dog is in the shelter, they may not receive all of the necessary boosters for the vaccine to be fully effective.
When is it safe to adopt or foster those dogs?
CAA is currently waiting for test results. Animals that test negative and are vaccinated may be made available for adoption or foster placement.
What should a pet owner do if they think their dog has distemper, has been exposed, or they do not know their pet’s vaccination status?
Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
