SAN ANTONIO (October 1, 2026) – San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is seeing an increase in canine distemper cases within the shelter population. To prevent further spread of disease and protect healthy pets, the shelter urgently needs emergency fosters. SAACS is taking additional steps to reduce the risk of disease transmission and protect animals in its care by consulting with nationally renowned animal health experts including Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects unvaccinated and under-vaccinated dogs. Pets with distemper can be asymptomatic or they can display symptoms like eye and nasal discharge, coughing, fever, reduced appetite and diarrhea. Like other infectious diseases seen in shelters throughout the country, distemper reflects what is circulating in local pet populations.
Animal Care Services Director Jon Gary says shelters regularly pivot processes when the health picture changes in the community. “That means taking a hard look at our shelter processes while also helping pet guardians understand the lifesaving importance of vaccination,” says Gary. “Our goal is to protect the animals already in our care, the animals entering the shelter and pets throughout San Antonio.”
SAACS continues to provide lifesaving services such as adoptions, fostering and rescue transfers while evaluating what additional safeguards may be necessary.
Emergency fosters are urgently needed today for shelter dogs, and even two to three weeks of foster care can make a big difference by limiting exposure as the shelter handles the distemper outbreak. The ideal foster homes are those with no dogs or homes with dogs that are at least one year old and fully vaccinated.
Fostering through SAACS is free with all supplies included. Pet owners are also strongly encouraged to ensure their dogs are current on core vaccinations and to contact their veterinarian if their pet develops symptoms of illness.
San Antonio residents can find the latest free vaccination clinics at SAACS.info/events.