05/15/2026
‼️ We have parvo in our community. Please get your dogs vaccinated if they are not already up to date. We have available appointments this coming Tues, May 19.
Thank you for helping us keep all pets in our community safe!
MAKE APPOINTMENT: https://app.clinichq.com/online/58965a1f-f16e-4b62-a552-c60bae01bff5
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Community Alert: Protecting Our Dogs from Parvovirus
May 15, 2026
Dear Community Members,
We are writing to share important information regarding a recent animal health concern in our area. The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) was informed of a cluster of parvovirus-positive puppies that were brought into Vermont in April by a family and subsequently distributed to others.
We want to clarify that these puppies were not from WCHS. We were alerted to the situation by local veterinarians treating the sick puppies, who were concerned that the animals may have exposed other dogs or potentially entered the shelter system. They also wanted to ensure WCHS was aware in case members of the public contacted us to report additional cases.
Since receiving this news, WCHS has taken proactive steps to protect our community’s pets:
Active Outreach: In collaboration with area animal control officers, WCHS initiated outreach to locate owners of the remaining puppies to check on their health and document their locations.
Free Vaccinations: We offered free vaccinations to any owners identified through this outreach.
Vaccination Clinics: Since May 1, WCHS has hosted three income-qualifying free vaccination clinics to ensure that our most vulnerable dog populations are protected.
What is Parvovirus?
Canine Parvovirus (often called "Parvo") is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral illness. It primarily affects a dog's gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms often include severe vomiting, lethargy, and bloody diarrhea. Without intensive veterinary care, the survival rate can be very low, especially in puppies.
How it Spreads
Parvovirus is incredibly hardy. It spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated f***s, environments, or people. Most alarmingly, the virus can live in the environment (soil, pavement, or flooring) for many months, and even up to a year, as it is resistant to many common disinfectants.
The Importance of Vaccination
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sharp decline in routine vaccination rates for dogs across the country. This has unfortunately led to localized outbreaks of Parvo in various regions.
Vaccination is the only effective way to protect your dog from this devastating virus. It is a core vaccine that every dog should receive. If your dog is not up to date on their shots, or if you have a new puppy that has not finished its series, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
WCHS remains committed to the safety of all animals in our community. If you are struggling with the cost of vaccinations, please reach out to us to see how we can assist. Together, we can keep our local pets healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Maya Richmond, Executive Director
Chelsea Van Thof, VT Assistant State Veterinarian
