Charleston Animal Society Reports 24 Distemper Cases, Urges Dog Owners to Check Vaccinations
A canine distemper outbreak has prompted emergency precautions at Charleston Animal Society’s Charleston and Berkeley campuses.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston Animal Society is urging Lowcountry dog owners to review their pets’ vaccination records after confirming an outbreak of canine distemper affecting 24 dogs.
According to a November 4 announcement from the organization, the outbreak began after a dog brought into its care in mid-October tested positive for the highly contagious viral disease.
The shelter’s veterinary teams have since implemented emergency protocols at both its Charleston and Berkeley campuses.
What Is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a contagious viral illness that affects dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
The disease can be especially dangerous for puppies and dogs that have not received their recommended vaccinations.
Some infected dogs may initially show few or no obvious symptoms, making early identification and prevention particularly important.
What Is Charleston Animal Society Doing?
Following the initial positive case, the organization introduced emergency procedures at both campuses.
Those measures included:
- Identifying animals potentially exposed to the virus.
- Isolating affected dogs in designated quarantine areas.
- Treating and monitoring animals under veterinary supervision.
- Temporarily suspending dog adoptions while assessing the situation.
Charleston Animal Society reported that 24 dogs had tested positive as of its November 4 announcement.
The organization said its emergency protocols remained in place at that time.
What Should Local Dog Owners Do?
Charleston Animal Society is encouraging dog owners throughout the Lowcountry to:
- Check their pets’ vaccination records.
- Contact their veterinarian if vaccination status is uncertain.
- Schedule recommended vaccinations if their pets are overdue.
The canine distemper vaccine is considered a core vaccination for dogs and provides important protection against the disease.
If your dog develops concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian for guidance and avoid exposing other dogs until the situation has been assessed.
Why This Matters
Charleston Animal Society serves animals across the Lowcountry, making disease prevention a community-wide concern.
Vaccination helps protect individual pets while reducing opportunities for contagious illnesses to spread between animals.
The shelter is asking residents to remain proactive about preventive care as its veterinary teams continue managing the outbreak.
Source: Charleston Animal Society — Official November 4 Announcement
