February 20, 2025 Colorado Springs, CO– Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) is temporarily limiting dog intakes to emergency cases only for the next seven days after four dogs tested positive for Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Strep zoo).
While HSPPR caught the infection early and is taking proactive measures to contain its spread, this highly contagious bacterial infection requires immediate attention. Beginning today, HSPPR will only accept emergency dog intakes, defined as cases involving urgent medical or public safety concerns. Thanks to early detection and swift preventative treatment, HSPPR has not had any fatal cases of Strep zoo.
Adoptions remain open, and all dogs adopted during this period will have received prophylactic treatment before leaving HSPPR’s care.
To learn more about Strep zoo, visit https://www.hsppr.org/faqs-for-strep-zoo/.
HSPPR’s Response Measures:
- Proactive Treatment: All dogs at HSPPR are receiving prophylactic antibiotics upon intake. Any dog in our care will have received antibiotics before leaving HSPPR.
- Deep Cleaning: Staff are conducting thorough sanitation procedures to mitigate further spread.
- Temporary Service Adjustments:
- Emergency intakes for dogs only including owner surrenders and strays.
- Owner Surrender Euthanasia services will continue as usual.
- The Colorado Springs Wellness Clinic will be closed to dog vaccines, wellness appointments, and public dog spay and neuter surgeries for the next two weeks.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: The cost of antibiotics is significant. To support our response efforts, please consider donating at HSPPR.org/donate.
- Helping Stray Dogs:
- If you find a stray, visit a veterinary clinic or our admissions entrance to scan for a microchip. Please call upon arrival.
- If you can temporarily house a stray, please file a found report, this is the preferred option to reduce intake and further potential exposure.
HSPPR remains committed to providing the best possible care for the animals in our shelter. We appreciate the community’s support as we work to contain further spread and treat the pets in our care.
About Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region:
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is the largest nonprofit animal shelter in southern Colorado. Serving over 25,000 animals a year, HSPPR provides adoption options, animal cruelty investigations, subsidized spays/neuters, a Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats, and other important services. Its Bite Blotter is used to track the quantity, severity, victim types and locations of domestic animal bites to create a safer and more informed community. Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, HSPPR is a local, independent nonprofit that relies on donations from the community to fund its many humane programs. For more information, visit www.hsppr.org.
