Animal Welfare Organizations Uniting to Stop Spread of Distemper in the Valley 

PHOENIX, AZ— Recently, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC), the Arizona Humane Society (AHS), Heidi’s Village, and the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) have noticed a rising number of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) cases within the Valley. CDV is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms and is often serious or fatal, especially in unvaccinated animals.  

“Distemper isn’t just a shelter problem—it’s a community problem,” said Heather Iorillo, Executive Director of Heidi’s Village. “We’re seeing firsthand how this virus is impacting dogs across the Valley, with our clinic and Rescue Partners experiencing more cases of both distemper and parvo. Preventive care like vaccination is key to stopping the spread, and we’re grateful to see our local shelters offering these services to the public. We’re encouraging our partners to share these resources widely so more pets—and the people who love them—stay protected.” 

In order to help the community combat Canine Distemper and parvo and prevent further spread, MCACC will be offering free DA2PP vaccines sponsored by Petco Love starting June 23rd Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at its West shelter (holidays excluded). The Paws for Prevention event will run through July 18th, and appointments are limited to two dogs per household, one dog per appointment. Registration is required ahead of time, and dogs must be healthy and at least five months of age. Registered dogs will also have the opportunity to receive a free microchip along with the vaccine, should they need one.  

“In recent months, we’ve seen a rise in distemper cases—not just at our shelter but at others across the Valley as well,” said Debbie McKnight, Director of MCACC. “Every dog that enters MCACC receives the DA2PP vaccine, but some may have already been exposed to the virus before arriving, which puts others at risk. While many of the dogs in our care are strays, others are lost pets whose owners may have faced barriers to accessing or affording preventive care. MCACC is committed to helping stop the spread of the disease within the county, so we are delighted to be able to offer these free vaccines and microchips to help protect more pets in our community, both inside and outside the shelter.”    

The DA2PP vaccine is crucial in protecting canines from not only distemper but other potentially deadly diseases such as parvo, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. This event will give Maricopa County pet parents the opportunity to make sure their pet is up-to-date on the DA2PP vaccine, as well as to ensure their pet has a microchip in case they ever become lost.  

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) also hosts vaccine clinics year-round. AAWL’s Community Vet Clinic offers low-cost vaccine services every Saturday from 8am-12pm. Pet owners living in zip codes 85034, 85006, 85008, and 85009 will receive a free rabies vaccine, DA2PP or FVRCP vaccine and microchip. These services are available by appointment only and can be scheduled online.  

“Vaccines are vital in stopping the spread of disease in our community, but the cost of vaccines can often be a barrier to many pet owners” said Kimberly Root, Director of Marketing & Communications at AAWL. “This is why it’s so important for us to make preventative care and vaccines more affordable and accessible so we can help keep pets safe and healthy and with the families that love them deeply.” 

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) also offers low-cost vaccinations, including DA2PP, at two veterinary clinics and mobile clinics all year long. Pet owners can make an appointment on their website.  

“The Arizona Humane Society knows how important accessible, low-cost veterinary care is to keeping pets healthy as well as ensuring they stay with their loving families and out of already overcrowded shelters,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, President and CEO of AHS. “We are excited to continue working alongside other animal welfare organizations throughout the Valley to ensure our community’s furry friends remain safe and healthy.” 

Animal welfare organizations in Maricopa County are hopeful pet owners will do their part in preventing the spread of this deadly disease by keeping their pets up to date on vaccines.