Canine influenza outbreak in Fort Worth limiting pet adoptions, surrenders, officials say

Animals at the Chuck and Brenda Silcox Animal Care and Adoption Center in Fort Worth are not currently available for adoption due to an outbreak of canine influenza virus, officials said Wednesday.

The facility is also not accepting owner surrenders or strays at this time.

Fort Worth Animal Care and Control found that a majority of dogs at the Silcox Adoption Center, located at 4900 Martin St., show symptoms of the virus or have been exposed. Other shelters in the area are experiencing similar outbreaks, officials said in a news release.

Animal Care and Control recommends that pet owners make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

The North Animal Campus, Hulen PetSmart and Alliance PetSmart Adoption Centers are all still open as an option for those wanting to adopt or foster, according to the release.

People who need to surrender their pets could try placing them with family or friends. North Animal Campus at 351 Hillshire Drive is accepting animals that have proof of vaccination.