Two-hundred dogs sick with canine flu are spending up to six weeks under quarantine in an Oakland warehouse, according to a city official.
Oakland Animal Services and the East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pooled their infected dogs and transported them to the temporary facility this month, according to Oakland Animal Services director Rebecca Katz.
“All 110 of our dogs were exposed to the virus, and about two-thirds are currently sick,” Katz said.
The warehouse, which has never housed animals before, was cleaned and 5 foot by 10 foot kennels were placed. Play areas were designated to make dogs feel more comfortable, said Mike Murray of Pet Food Express.
Pet Food Express donated bowls and leashes, and has started an emergency food drive to reduce costs for Oakland Animal Services, who are dealing with an increased workload, the California retail chain said in a news release.
Pet Food Express and NutriSource will each match every person’s $15 donation of NutriSource dog food, according to the retailer.
Oakland Animal Services first confirmed an outbreak of dog flu at their facility June 21. At the time, Katz said 55 of their dogs were showing symptoms.
Since then, the shelter has partnered with Berkeley Animal Care Services, located in Aquatic Park, and Berkeley Humane who have agreed to accept dogs dropped-off in Oakland, Katz said.
Pet Food Express advised dog owners to vaccinate their pets and keep them away from communal water bowls.