Sevier County Animal Shelter temporarily closed in Sevier County, Tennessee, temporarily halted new animal intakes and closed to adoption appointments after a puppy at the shelter tested positive for canine parvovirus, the facility announced.

The shelter said the pause will last 48 hours while staff work with veterinary partners to assess risk, collect diagnostic samples and carry out an intensified disinfection regimen. Officials said the measures are precautionary and aimed at limiting any potential spread while veterinarians complete testing.

According to the shelter, the puppy first showed signs consistent with parvovirus at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday. Staff moved the animal out of the center and into a foster home so it could be quarantined outside the facility while veterinary diagnostic testing is completed.

“Thank you so much for your patience and understanding while we work through this challenge. We always take these things extremely seriously and probably go overboard, but better safe than sorry! We will update all as soon as we have news. Please keep us and the furbabies in your thoughts,” the Sevier Animal Care Center said in a statement released after the positive test was confirmed.

As part of the response, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is testing blood samples collected from dogs at the shelter, the center said. Shelter staff described the immediate steps as testing, isolation of the affected animal and a targeted disinfection regimen focused on areas where animals are housed.

Staff have begun what they described as a deep cleaning of the facility while the diagnostic work proceeds. The American Veterinary Medical Association also provided informational materials about canine parvovirus to support the shelter’s response and to inform the actions taken by shelter personnel and veterinary partners.

An adoption event that had been scheduled at PetSmart on May 3, 2025, was canceled in light of the positive test. The shelter said other scheduled adoption appointments and new intakes are being postponed for the 48-hour period while testing and sanitation are carried out.

Officials said removing the affected puppy to a foster home allowed the shelter to maintain quarantine protocols without occupying space inside the facility, and enabled staff to focus on testing and cleaning on site. The center emphasized that the foster placement is part of the quarantine process while veterinarians complete diagnostic testing.

Sevier Animal Care Center said its staff are coordinating closely with veterinary partners to evaluate risk to other animals that were in the shelter. The shelter will post updates as test results are received and as cleaning milestones are completed, officials said. If testing and sanitation steps are successful, the shelter plans to resume normal operations after the 48-hour pause.

In its public statement, the shelter asked the community to monitor official updates from Sevier Animal Care Center as the situation develops. The center reiterated that the pause in operations is temporary and precautionary and that officials are following guidance from veterinary professionals and partner organizations.

Sevier Animal Care Center said it would provide further information to the public as soon as results from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and other diagnostic work are available and when staff determine it is safe to reopen intake and adoption services.