Cobb Animal Services To Reopen After Shelter Illness Shutdown

COBB COUNTY, GA — Cobb Animal Services will reopen soon, the county announced Wednesday, after an illness among the shelter population shut the shelter down last Friday.

Two dogs fell ill last week, and the shelter's veterinarian said it would be wise to close the shelter until the illness was identified, said Ross Cavitt, Cobb County communications director, to Patch on Monday. Cavitt said the shelter experienced two instances of "strep zoo" in recent years, which prompted the swift and early closure of the shelter.

"The shelter has had two instances of 'strep zoo' brought into the facility in recent years, so they are very cautious and want to be proactive when animals become sick," Cavitt said.

The shelter's vet sent tests to the University of Georgia to identify the problem, and the tests came back negative for "strep zoo" and other complications Wednesday morning. The two dogs that fell ill have been improving after being treated with antibiotics, according to a county press release.

Out of an abundance of caution, shelter staff will have a phased reopening as the staff is deep cleaning the facility. Those with canceled appointments will be contacted to come in as early as Friday with the process continuing into next week, the release said.

For more information or to ask questions, residents are asked to call 770-499-4136.