Kennel cough forces Aurora animal shelter to suspend dog adoptions, drop-offs

AURORA | The Aurora Animal Shelter won’t accept or adopt dogs for nearly three weeks after kennel cough infected some dogs and killed one.

The shelter is enforcing a 20-day suspension after learning that five dogs adopted out developed canine upper respiratory illness and pneumonia. Cheryl Conway, a spokeswoman for the city’s animal care division, said one dog died from the illness but the others are now doing well and are taking medication for it. “They are all being treated at home by family veterinarians,” she said.

There are 67 dogs in the shelter who have been exposed, she said. She said those dogs are all responding well to treatment.

The suspension only affects dogs, and the shelter will continue to accept cats and small animals, and adopt them out.

Those who recently adopted a dog from the Aurora Animal Shelter who see the animal coughing, sneezing, or being lethargic are urged to call the Aurora Animal Shelter at 303-326-8282.

“Kennel cough is out there in our community. Some of the dogs in the shelter came in with it,” she said. Kennel cough is an airborne virus that can be easily treated with the vaccine Bordetella. “If you take your dog anywhere, you really should get the Bordetella vaccine,” she said.

The Aurora shelter is working the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance to accommodate residents who find a stray dog or need to surrender their family dog. The city has also made arrangements with the Dumb Friends League in Denver and the Adams County Animal Shelter in Commerce City. 

People who need to surrender ownership of their personal family dog can bring it to the Dumb Friends League at 2080 S. Quebec Street in Denver. Their phone number is 303-751-577.

People who find stray dogs can take them to the Adams County Animal Shelter at 10705 Fulton Street in Commerce City. Their phone number is 303-288-3294.