Beaufort County animal shelter asks public for supplies after kennel cough outbreak

Christy, a staff member at Beaufort County Animal Services, said the shelter is managing an outbreak of kennel cough that is affecting multiple dogs and disrupting programs. “So, recently, we've had an outbreak of kennel cough,” she said, describing the illness as “basically like a cold” that spreads through the air in indoor spaces. Christy said individual cases usually take about “two to three weeks” to clear but that the shelter sometimes sees cycles of new cases that prolong recovery.

To limit spread, Christy said the shelter is deep-cleaning items that come into contact with sick animals, prescribing antibiotics to affected dogs and keeping those animals separated from others until they are cleared. “All of the dogs that are currently affected are getting antibiotics,” she stated, and staff are isolating sick animals while they recover.

The outbreak has forced the shelter to pause community programs that bring animals into the public, including the running partner program and a “foster for a day” initiative. “We can't send sick dogs out into the community because we don't want to spread it from our facility to anywhere else,” Christy said.

Christy emphasized the effect of isolation on animals’ well-being and requested specific donations to help with enrichment while dogs are confined. She asked for Busy Bones, Nylabones, Kongs, peanut butter and treats to keep the animals occupied, and also requested towels and blankets. “If you have the ability to send something, we really, really appreciate it,” she said.

She provided ways for the public to help: the shelter maintains an Amazon wish list posted on its Facebook page, Beaufort County Animal Services, and can accept mailed or delivered items at 10 Pritchard Point Road, Okatie, ZIP 29909. Christy thanked listeners for support and for considering donations during spring cleaning.

The Beaufort County Report host closed the segment after the shelter’s request for supplies. No regulatory or enforcement action was discussed during the segment; the shelter described internal steps to contain the illness and asked for community assistance as it works to return dogs to regular programs.