Stanislaus shelter to stop taking stray dogs as disease outbreak forces suspension
The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is not taking in stray dogs, except for in an emergency, due to strep zoo outbreak, the agency announced.
The pause began Thursday and will continue through July 12.
SASA stated that it will continue emergency intakes such as injured, aggressive or visibly ill animals, according to a press statement released on Thursday.
“This proactive step is being taken to safeguard both shelter animals and community pets while containment and treatment efforts are underway,” read SASA’s release.
Zooepidemicus, a streptococcus equi subspecies most commonly called ‘strep zoo,’ is a fast-moving and highly contagious bacterial infection that affects dogs. It can lead to serious illness in shelters where animals are held in close quarters.
SASA stated it’s working closely with other rescue partners to place healthy dogs in temporary foster homes to reduce the shelter’s population density. They’ve also increased sanitation and targeted treatment, according to them.
In the meantime, SASA asked county residents to post photos and locations of loose or stray dogs on platforms like Ring, Nextdoor and local lost-and-found pet Facebook Groups. It also asked for people to hold onto healthy, non-aggressive pets temporarily while searching for their owners, if able. Most dogs are found within a mile of their home, according to the agency.
SASA recommended the following in order to prevent a pet from becoming lost:
Ensuring collars are secure and ID tags are up to date.
Checking that your pet’s microchip is registered with up-to-date contact details.
Being mindful of open doors and gates where pets could slip out unnoticed.
For updates or questions about adoption services and emergency intakes, visit www.StanislausAnimalServices.com or call 209-558-PETS.
This story was originally published July 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM.
