PARVOVIRUS CLOSURE–JUNE 2026
At this time, BARCS is closed for all dog intake/admissions, adoptions, and foster placements until further notice.
Recently, BARCS took in a group of dogs from a Baltimore City Animal Control impound case that appeared healthy upon arrival. Nearly a week later, several dogs from that group began showing signs of Parvovirus and subsequently tested positive. Because Parvovirus has an incubation period of up to two weeks, dogs can appear healthy and may not test positive until they begin showing symptoms. Symptoms include: lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Because these dogs were housed within our shelter population before becoming symptomatic, our veterinary team is now working to determine the scope of potential exposure and implement appropriate disease control measures.
If you are currently in the process of adopting a dog from BARCS, a member of our team will be contacting you directly to discuss next steps. Please keep an eye on your phone and email for updates.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this situation and prioritize the health and safety of the dogs in our care. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
**BARCS is still open for cat adoptions and fostering.**
FAQs
“How Can I Help?”
Right now, our veterinary team is focused on identifying potentially exposed dogs, monitoring for symptoms, and treating dogs who have tested positive for Parvovirus. Within hours of confirming these cases, BARCS incurred nearly $10,000 in emergency medical expenses. We immediately rushed in additional testing supplies, medications, cleaning and disinfecting products, and other critical resources needed to respond to this situation. Dogs who have tested positive have been moved into isolation and are receiving intensive medical care from our veterinary team.
If you would like to help support these unexpected expenses, please consider making a gift to BARCS' Medical Care Fund. Donations help provide emergency diagnostics, medications, treatment, and lifesaving care for animals facing medical crises. https://www.barcs.org/medical-care-fund
This situation is still developing, and we will continue to share updates as we learn more. We are grateful for the support of our community as we work to protect and care for the animals who depend on us.
"I Found a Lost Dog and Can’t Hold Onto It!"
We understand how difficult and inconvenient it can be to find a lost dog, especially if you’re unable to keep them. However, we must stress how serious the situation is at BARCS right now. Bringing a lost dog into our shelter at this time could pose a significant risk. Here is how you can help BARCS at this time:
The majority of lost pets are found only a few blocks from their homes, and we urge our community to take these steps to help reunite pets with their families without bringing them to the shelter:
Look for Owners Nearby: Knock on doors and ask your neighbors if they recognize the dog.
Post Online: Share clear photos and descriptions of the pet on local social media groups, neighborhood pages, lost-and-found Facebook groups, and platforms like Ring or Nextdoor.
Use Petco Love Lost’s Facial Recognition Tool: Upload a photo to help identify and connect the pet with their owner.
Put Up Flyers: Posting flyers in the area can quickly alert others to the lost pet.
Scan for a Microchip: Take the dog to a local veterinary clinic or shelter to scan for a microchip, which often contains the owner’s contact information.
BARCS can provide supplies for you to borrow while you hold onto the pet (as supplies last).
We know this isn’t easy, and we don’t take lightly the burden this places on those who find lost pets. Thank you for your compassion and understanding as we navigate this situation together.
How Long Will BARCS Be Closed to Dog Intake and Outcomes?
This is a developing situation, and the timeline will depend on several factors, including the number of dogs that develop symptoms, the results of ongoing monitoring and testing, guidance from our veterinary team, and our ability to safely prevent further disease transmission within the shelter.
Our veterinary and operations teams are evaluating the situation daily. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and will reopen dog intake and outcomes as soon as it is safe to do so. At this time, we do not have a projected reopening date. Please continue to check back on our public communication channels for updates. We understand that this uncertainty is difficult and we appreciate the community's patience as we work to protect the health and safety of the animals in our care.
Preventing Parvovirus in Your Owned Pets
Parvovirus (Parvo) is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. While many dogs recover with treatment, it can be especially deadly for puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and dogs with underlying health concerns. Parvo spreads easily between dogs and can survive in the environment for extended periods of time. The good news is that vaccination is highly effective at protecting dogs from severe illness.
While our veterinary team works through this situation at BARCS, we encourage dog owners to:
• Make sure their dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Monitor their dogs for signs of illness.
• Contact their veterinarian if their dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
• Avoid contact with dogs that are known to be sick.
Can Humans or Cats Get Canine Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is primarily a disease of dogs. It does not affect people. Infection in cats has been documented, but it is uncommon and is considered most concerning for unvaccinated kittens and other vulnerable cats. Healthy, vaccinated adult cats are not considered a primary concern in this situation.Staying current on vaccinations for all pets in your household, and seeking prompt veterinary care whenever your pets show signs of illness—whether related to Parvo or something else—are the best ways to help protect their health.