IACS plans free vaccine clinic to lower parvo cases in dogs

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Animal Care Services is encouraging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated against canine parvovirus after seeing an increase in positive cases at the shelter.

IndyCARES, which offers free or discounted exams, medications, and surgeries for pets in need, will hold a free parvo vaccine clinic for dogs who are 6 weeks or older.

The drive-thru clinic is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goodwin Center parking lot on 3935 W. Mooresville Rd. Those in attendance are advised to enter the parking lot through Foltz Street.

Dogs must be on a leash and no appointment is necessary.

Parvovirus is usually passed in stools and can last in the environment for more than a year under the right conditions. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, pain, dehydration, sepsis, and death. With this being a viral disease, there is no cure, says Roxie Randall, spokesperson for IACS.

“Dogs that get parvo young but are able to survive through that infection sometimes have a decreased immune system, so you have to be more careful about them catching potentially other diseases,” Randall said.

Randall says five dogs at the shelter’s intake door have tested positive for parvo since Sunday.

“It is important to note that those dogs do not come into the shelter,” Randall said. “Instead, they were sent away with a voucher and they are still with their families.”

IndyCARES provided vouchers to help pay for the treatment for the infected dogs, and they were able to stay with their owners.

There are inexpensive alternatives for those unable to attend the free clinic. They’re available at the IndyHumane website, FACE Low-Cost Clinic and the West Michigan Street Vet Clinic.