By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – An outbreak of canine distemper and respiratory infections at PACC is straining resources for other shelters.
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People are turning to other local shelters to surrender their pets, but the process is not that simple.
Julie Marshall is the executive director of the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary. With the outbreak at the PACC, she said it is affecting operations.
“We’ve had a significant influx of inquiries to surrender; we’ve had people coming to our doors,” Marshall said.
The Hermitage has more than 350 cats, and a hundred others are in foster homes. The shelter is busy as is, especially as it is in the middle of kitten season.
“Right now, we’re all battling with the fact that there are a number of additional kittens out on the streets,” Marshall said.
PACC takes in many animals that are surrendered, but that service stopped due to the outbreak. Many have tried surrendering cats at Hermitage, but the process is not as straightforward.
The shelter shoulders lots of costs for medical care, intake, and other needs, which means they have to be wary of their spending.
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“Those intake fees don’t even begin to cover the expenses that are coming in, and since we’re run solely on donations, we have to be careful with that. We’re just not an open intake shelter,” Marshall said.
Despite the outbreak, PACC announced its eastside location will reopen this weekend, so its adoption services will resume. However, while PACC’s intake operations remain limited, Marshall encourages people to support other local shelters.
You can donate directly to the Hermitage HERE, learn how to volunteer HERE, and start the process of becoming a foster family HERE.
“We rely heavily on volunteers, so please reach out to us for volunteers. We are always happy to take donations,” Marshall said.
PACC’s eastside location will have about 20 dogs and about six cats and kittens available for adoption this weekend.
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