Dog centre reopens after dealing with parvovirus

Teddy is one of the dogs at Dogs Trust Kenilworth needing a home, with the rescue now open to the public again after a case of parvovirus

An animal rescue centre has reopened its doors after temporarily closing due to an outbreak of a potentially fatal dog virus.

Dogs Trust Kenilworth was forced to close on 10 September due to a confirmed case of parvovirus.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

The rescue reopened its doors to visitors on Saturday and is now urgently searching for new owners for dogs who have spent much longer in the charity's care than first expected.

Dogs Trust has said the rescue's swift closure ensured no other dogs were put at risk.

The charity said in a statement: "We are pleased to report that none of our dogs are showing symptoms and are doing well.

"Thanks to the generosity of supporters, and the local community, we were able to provide an extra special time for our dogs during the centre closure with special enrichment toys and even more treats. We can’t thank you enough."

Alison Creaton, assistant manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, added: "We want to thank our supporters for their continued support and patience over the last few weeks.

"We are also incredibly grateful to all our staff who have worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to look after the dogs in our care under difficult circumstances."

Enhanced cleaning

The centre, which closed three weeks ago, is now "back to normal" following measures to contain the virus, such as limiting contact with members of staff, barrier nursing, and keeping the dogs entertained yet isolated while cleaning the centre.

The charity said it was continuing to practice enhanced cleaning around the centre and has asked visitors to ensure that their dogs are fully vaccinated before visiting.

Peter is another dog at the Kenilworth branch, which has launched an urgent rehoming appeal after having to temporarily close

However, the charity has now issued an urgent rehoming appeal after being unable to rehome any dogs during the rescue's closure.

Some of the dogs waiting for their forever home including Teddy, a lurcher, and Peter, who is a crossbreed.

Ms Creaton said: "We’d like anyone looking to welcome a dog into their lives to come and visit us at the centre, meet our dogs, and help them all find a happy place in a new home in time for Christmas."

The centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 BST to 16:00 BST, with no appointments needed.