FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Out of an abundance of caution, Cumberland County Animal Services will extend its temporary pause on animal intake and adoptions for an additional two weeks. This extension allows staff to continue efforts to fully contain and resolve a respiratory illness affecting animals within the shelter.
Since the initial pause, announced Jan. 16, Animal Services has made significant progress in identifying, isolating and treating affected animals while strengthening preventive measures across the facility. Diagnostic testing has confirmed the presence of common canine respiratory pathogens. While these illnesses are treatable, their incubation periods and the ongoing identification of new cases require continued isolation to ensure a safe reopening.
Animal Services is working closely with veterinary professionals, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to follow best-practice guidance for containment and recovery. Enhanced cleaning protocols and supplemental air filtration remain in place throughout the facility. In addition, the County is coordinating with regional and national partners to explore options that could support additional isolation capacity and accelerate recovery efforts.
During the extended pause:
-
Animal intake and adoptions remain temporarily suspended.
-
Transfers to rescues and foster placements will remain on hold to prevent further spread.
-
Emergency and public safety-related animal calls will continue under modified protocols.
Animal Services and County leadership continue evaluating conditions daily and will share updates as progress is made. The County remains committed to reopening operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
The County expresses appreciation for the continued support of residents, volunteers, rescue partners and animal advocates during this temporary extension.
Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/animals to learn more about Cumberland County Animal Services.
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov, download the MyCCNCGov app or follow CCNCGOV on social media.