Pet Adoptions Resume at Miami-Dade Animal Services

44 dogs had to be euthanized during the recent distemper outbreak

Nearly three weeks after closing its shelter because of a distemper outbreak, Miami-Dade Animal Services is back in full gear.

“As of today, we’re fully operational. We’re open for adoptions,” assistant manager Kathleen Labrada said.

Out of 112 dogs in the shelter at the time of the infection, 44 had to be euthanized, according to Miami-Dade Animal Services.

“It’s extremely difficult to contain due to its airborne nature,” Labrada said. “The key with distemper is that it is completely preventable through vaccination.”

The 131 dogs now in the shelter have been quarantined for the past two weeks, and tested and vaccinated twice.

With pet adoptions back underway, Miguel Porto was among those visiting the shelter Thursday.

”I’m adopting a dog. Rat Terrier. Nice little dog. Female,” he said.

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