Dade's Animal Services Offers Low Cost Vaccinations

MIAMI (CBS4) – Miami-Dade Animal Services workers spent days scrubbing down their shelter in Medley after a distemper outbreak forced them to stop accepting dogs and puppies. Now they're hoping 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'.

On Sunday they hosted their second annual Distemper Prevention Event.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. veterinarians at the shelter provided  distemper/parvo vaccinations to dogs over two months of age for two dollars.  The shelter is located at 7401 NW 74th Street.

"Too few dogs and puppies are vaccinated against distemper and parvo in our community," said Dr. Sara Pizano, director of Animal Services. "Infectious diseases are a serious problem in our county and not just a shelter problem. We encourage pet owners to see their veterinarians for regular vaccinations and preventive care."

Canine distemper is highly contagious.  Most dogs with distemper suffer from gastrointestinal and respiratory problems like diarrhea, fever, cough, runny nose and vomiting, as well as neurological complications.

For more information about shelter services and adoptions, visit www.miamidade.gov/animals.