Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter appeals for public's help after distemper outbreak

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter has asked for the public's assistance and patience as the shelter battles an outbreak of distemper in its dog population.

In a June 29 Facebook post, the shelter said it needs to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of testing all of the dogs and volunteers are needed to help the staff carry out a myriad of tasks related to the outbreak.

More: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter closes for two weeks after canine distemper outbreak

On June 22, the shelter announced it was halting all adoption and rescue operations for at least two weeks after confirmed cases of distemper were diagnosed within the dogs housed at the shelter. Distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease.

The shelter said the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, based in Utah, is providing consultation, along with an on-site team member to help test each dog for exposure to the virus.

"They are committed on seeing the shelter through this with continued outbreak consultation and on-site staff support," the shelter's Facebook post said. " They have an abundance of experience helping shelters with distemper outbreaks."

The post cites a veterinarian who says the shelter may need four to six weeks of limited operations to eradicate the virus.

"After meeting with community representatives from Northport, City of Tuscaloosa, and the County Commission next week, we will be able to provide a more reasonable date to reopen the shelter," Facebook post states. " As this is an evolving situation, we will extend the date we must be closed to the general public."

The shelter cannot accept animals from the public or from animal control unless it is an emergency, which the shelter defined as "an animal being offensive and a danger to the public, seriously injured or sick."

The shelter is still answering its phone, 205-752-9101, during regular business hours but administrators appealed for the public's understanding since they have a limited number of people available to respond to a large number of calls and messages.

Cat adoptions have resumed, but all of those adoptions will be completed virtually or by phone. Once the adoption is complete, the shelter will inform the adopter of the process to pick up their new cat.

The shelter thanked people in the community who have rallied to its support.

"... First United Methodist has provided ice every day, as well as food and water, the city of Tuscaloosa provided large misting fans, Coca-Cola in Tuscaloosa provided water and Gatorade.  Other people have donated towels, sheets, toys, etc.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you.  Thank you!"

Volunteers are needed to help take pictures and create an information sheet for each animal. The shelter also needs help cleaning dishes and doing laundry so the staff can concentrate on other tasks. To sign up, go to www.metroanimalshelter.org/volunteer.

Donations are also needed to cover testing all the dogs, as well as to compensate for revenue lost by the suspension of adoptions.

People can donate through Venmo (@Metro-AnimalShelter), the Cash App ($MetroAnimalShelter), PayPal (Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter) or through the shelter's website, www.metroanimalshelter.org/donate.

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is at 3140 Investigator Dornell Cousette St. It is a nonprofit organization contracted to serve as the municipal animal shelter for Tuscaloosa City, Tuscaloosa County, and Northport.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: How to help Tuscaloosa animal shelter after outbreak of distemper