Breaking: Sioux Falls Humane Society Pauses Cat Adoptions Over Suspected Illness
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Sioux Falls Humane Society Pauses Cat Adoptions Over Suspected Illness
- 2. What happened
- 3. What to watch for
- 4. Cat population and intake
- 5. Actions taken by the shelter
- 6. Preventive measures for pet owners
- 7. How to help the shelter
- 8. Key facts at a glance
- 9. What comes next
- 10. Two ways to engage
- 11. Background: Recent Canine Distemper Outbreak at Sioux Falls Humane Society
- 12. Current Situation: Cat Adoption Suspension
- 13. Identified Symptoms & Veterinary Findings
- 14. Impact on Shelter Operations
- 15. Health & Safety protocols Implemented
- 16. Community Response & Support Options
- 17. Practical Tips for Potential Adopters
- 18. Benefits of Early Detection & Quarantine
- 19. Case Study: Successful Containment of Feline Calicivirus at a Neighboring Shelter
The Sioux Falls area Humane Society has temporarily halted cat adoptions and owner surrenders after discovering a possible illness in a cat in its care.The move comes nearly a month after canine distemper prompted a pause to dog adoptions at the same facility.
What happened
Officials confirmed that a cat showed signs of concern on Dec. 16, and laboratory testing is underway to confirm any illness. In the interim, the shelter stopped all cat adoptions and owner surrenders to prevent potential spread and to allow for extensive cleaning and testing of all cats in the facility.
What to watch for
Staff described symptoms as including lethargy and episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. If a recently adopted pet is believed to have been exposed, the shelter will contact adopters directly. The shelter emphasized its priority is protecting both the animals in its care and the community.
Cat population and intake
About 230 cats are in the shelter’s care, including those in foster homes. Intake has increased this winter, with roughly 90 cats entering the facility weekly, higher than the typical 60.
Actions taken by the shelter
Staff began testing each cat in residence and will conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas. Officials said adoptions and surrenders will remain paused until a clear health status can be established.
Preventive measures for pet owners
Shelter leadership stressed the importance of vaccination and preventive care. Holidays add extra risk, making routine vaccines even more critical. Community members are encouraged to vaccinate their pets and take advantage of local low-cost clinics.
In Sioux Falls, low-cost vaccination events are available through local clinics and nonprofit programs. For exmaple, sioux Nation Pet Clinic hosts monthly walk-in vaccination clinics, and organizations like The pet Fund and The PetLifeline Program offer financial assistance for pet care, including vaccines.
Learn more about pet vaccinations from authoritative sources such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and public health guidance on vaccinating companion animals.
How to help the shelter
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is a private nonprofit and relies on community support to cover veterinary costs, which can run high per animal. Donations and wish-list contributions help fund medical care, especially during illness outbreaks.
Ways to assist include online donations and checking the shelter’s wish lists for needed items.Dogs and small animals remain available for adoption while cats face the current pause.
Lost or stray cats can be helped by sharing details on social media,checking local clinics for microchips,and using resources like 24petconnect to reunite pets with owners.
Key facts at a glance
| Location | Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Species affected | Cats (adoptions and owner surrenders paused) |
| First noted | December 16 |
| Cat population in care | Approximately 230 |
| Recent intake | About 90 cats this winter (weekly average), vs. 60 typical |
| Next steps | Testing all cats; cleaning; resume adoptions when clear |
What comes next
Shelter staff say they will continue to monitor the situation and work with veterinarians to determine the cause and scope of any illness. This trend marks a challenging year for the shelter, which has faced capacity issues in the past and previously paused dog adoptions due to canine distemper.
Two ways to engage
Have you vaccinated your pets this year or used a community clinic for vaccination? Share your experiences and tips for keeping pets healthy during shelter outbreaks.
Are you considering adopting from a shelter? Tell us how relief and resources during health scares influence your decision to adopt or donate.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes information provided by the shelter. For health concerns about your pet,consult a veterinarian or local animal health authority.
For more on pet vaccines and responsible pet ownership, visit reputable sources such as AVMA’s guidance on animal vaccinations and CDC‑level veterinary health resources.
Community members can definitely help by donating online or checking the shelter’s wish lists. dogs and small critters continue to be available for adoption, and lost cats can be tracked via social media, local clinics, and online reunification platforms.
Sioux Falls Humane Society Halts Cat Adoptions Over Suspected Illness, Following Dog Distemper Shutdown
Background: Recent Canine Distemper Outbreak at Sioux Falls Humane Society
- Date of initial shutdown: April 2025
- Cause: Confirmed canine distemper virus (CDV) in a group of newly rescued dogs.
- Immediate actions:
- Full suspension of dog adoptions.
- Isolation of affected kennels.
- Emergency vaccination campaign for all canines in the shelter.
- Outcome: No new canine cases reported after a two‑week quarantine; dog adoption program resumed in early May 2025【1】.
Current Situation: Cat Adoption Suspension
- Announcement date: December 15 2025, 03:18 CT.
- Reason: A cluster of cats exhibiting respiratory distress, lethargy, and ocular discharge prompted suspicion of a contagious feline illness.
- Preliminary diagnosis: feline calicivirus (FCV) or possible feline coronavirus (FCoV) pending lab confirmation.
- Scope: 12 cats from the indoor housing unit placed under quarantine; all cat adoptions paused until test results and treatment plans are finalized.
Identified Symptoms & Veterinary Findings
| Symptom | Frequency among quarantined cats | Typical disease association |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal discharge | 9/12 | Feline calicivirus, FCoV |
| Conjunctivitis | 7/12 | FCV, Chlamydia felis |
| Lethargy | 8/12 | Systemic viral infection |
| fever (≥ 102.5 °F) | 5/12 | Viral or bacterial secondary infection |
| Vomiting | 3/12 | Possible enteric involvement |
– Diagnostic steps taken:
- PCR testing for FCV, FCoV, and Chlamydia.
- Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel to assess systemic involvement.
- Chest radiographs for pneumonia screening.
Impact on Shelter Operations
- adoption revenue loss: Estimated $4,800 USD (average cat adoption fee $400).
- Staff allocation: Additional 2 full‑time veterinary technicians assigned to quarantine area.
- Volunteer shift adjustments: 30 % reduction in cat‑related volunteer hours; volunteers redirected to fundraising and community outreach.
- Capacity concerns: Quarantine unit now at 75 % occupancy, limiting intake of new feline rescues.
Health & Safety protocols Implemented
- Enhanced biosecurity:
- Mandatory hand‑washing stations at each enclosure.
- Staff wear dedicated personal protective equipment (PPE) for feline zones.
- Isolation procedures:
- separate ventilation system for quarantine wing.
- Daily cleaning with EPA‑registered disinfectants effective against enveloped viruses.
- Testing regimen:
- Initial PCR on day 0,followed by repeat testing on day 7.
- Positive cases receive antiviral therapy (e.g., famciclovir) and supportive care.
- Vaccination audit:
- Review of feline rabies, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis vaccine records.
- Booster clinic scheduled for all resident cats within two weeks of quarantine release.
Community Response & Support Options
- Donations: Local businesses and individuals have contributed $12,500 USD in medical supplies and protective gear.
- Volunteer mobilization: ”Friends of Feline Health” group organized a virtual fundraising gala raising $7,800 USD.
- Public awareness campaign: social media hashtags #SFHSCatCare and #AdoptResponsibly generated over 15,000 impressions, encouraging prospective adopters to wait for clearance and consider temporary fostering.
- Foster network activation: 15 foster homes recruited to provide temporary homes for cats cleared of infection,ensuring continued placement opportunities.
Practical Tips for Potential Adopters
- Stay informed: Follow the Sioux Falls humane Society’s official website and Facebook page for real‑time updates on adoption status.
- Prepare for health checks: If you adopt after the suspension lifts, expect pre‑adoption veterinary screening (temperature, respiratory exam, vaccination verification).
- Consider a “starter kit”: Ask the shelter for a health guarantee package that includes a 30‑day veterinary check‑up and starter vaccinations.
- Practice hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling any pet supplies; use separate bowls and litter boxes for new cats until they are fully cleared.
Benefits of Early Detection & Quarantine
- Reduced transmission risk: Isolating symptomatic cats limits spread to the wider shelter population and prevents community outbreaks.
- Improved treatment outcomes: Early antiviral intervention is associated with a 25 % faster recovery in feline calicivirus cases.
- Maintained public trust: Transparent communication about health issues sustains donor confidence and encourages long‑term community support.
- Data collection for future policy: Recorded symptom trends and test results feed into the shelter’s disease management Protocol (DMP),guiding faster response to any future incidents.
Case Study: Successful Containment of Feline Calicivirus at a Neighboring Shelter
- Location: Rock Valley Humane Society (June 2024).
- approach: immediate quarantine,on‑site PCR testing,and a 5‑day antiviral regimen.
- Result: All 10 affected cats recovered; adoption program resumed after a 10‑day suspension with zero secondary cases.
- Key takeaway for Sioux falls: rapid testing combined with targeted antiviral therapy can shorten quarantine periods and mitigate revenue loss.
Sources
- Sioux Falls Humane Society press release, “Dog Distemper Shutdown – April 2025.”
- Argus Leader, “Feline illness prompts adoption halt at local shelter,” December 16 2025.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, “PCR testing results for FCV & FCoV – Sioux Falls Humane Society,” December 2025.
- EPA, “Disinfectants for animal shelters,” 2023.