Cobb animal shelter closes as cats, dogs deal with unknown illness

The Cobb County Animal Services Shelter has temporarily closed after an unknown illness affected the facility’s cats and dogs, authorities said.

Initially, a half-dozen animals became sick earlier this week, according to Cobb County Communications Director Ross Cavitt.

“When it became apparent the illnesses may be similar, the shelter’s vet ordered tests,” Cavitt said. “Our veterinarian requested the closure as a precautionary measure until test results come back early next week.”

Cobb's Animal Services Shelter has been temporarily closed.
An unknown illness has affected dogs and cats in the shelter.
UGA is conducting tests, results early next week.
Workers will take care of the animals - appointments with the public cancelled until test results come back. pic.twitter.com/zARIMA8UFs
— Cobb County, GA (@cobbcountygovt) October 16, 2020

The samples are being sent for testing to the University of Georgia’s Veterinary School, Cavitt said. In the meantime, the employees at the shelter will take care of the animals.

“We have 163 cats and 94 dogs in the shelter,” Cavitt said. “The dog population is down due to COVID adoptions, which should help with social distancing.”

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