Rowlett animal services temporarily suspends cat intake and adoptions after highly contagious feline virus detected

Rowlett Animal Services announced a temporary 14-day suspension of cat and kitten intake, adoptions, and fostering to limit spread of a highly contagious feline virus, a city update said during the July 1 council meeting.

Council Member Gibbs read the department update: “Due to the recent outbreak of a feline, highly contagious virus, we have made the difficult decision, but necessary decision to temporarily suspend all cat and kitten intake adoptions, and fostering activities for 14 days.” The suspension is intended to prevent further spread within the shelter and to protect the health of animals in care.

Staff said they are actively monitoring the situation and will resume intake when conditions are safe. Separately, council and staff noted that the shelter was currently at “Code Red,” meaning all kennels are full; to encourage adoptions, they announced that all adoptions are $25 and include spay/neuter, microchip, and up-to-date vaccinations. Animal Services also requested foster homes for July 4 fireworks-related needs and provided a contact email and phone number for interested volunteers.

The city did not provide a specific case count or the name of the pathogen at the meeting; staff said those details would be shared as they are available.