Dallas' animal shelter is placing limits on taking on dogs to try and avoid spreading illness.

According to a release, Dallas Animal Services is combating a round of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) that is making dogs at the shelter ill.

Testing is taking place to understand the underlying cause, to determine the proper cleaning and medical protocols so the disease does not spread further, and they are awaiting lab results.

For the safety of Dallas dogs, DAS will begin temporarily limiting intake over the counter to critically sick or injured dogs.

DAS encourages struggling pet owners that are considering surrendering their pets to visit www.bedallas90.org/pet-resources to access pet support resources and DAS’ Home to Home Program, which helps residents locate adopters and avoid the shelter.

Residents who find friendly lost dogs are asked to help out by scheduling a time to have them vaccinated, then taking them home for three days while their vaccines take effect.

DAS will provide resources to help find the dog’s owner and if unsuccessful, the finder can bring the dog into DAS.

Finders can make a vaccine appointment by emailing DASPetSupport@dallas.gov, visiting https://das.as.me/vaccine, or calling 214-670-6742. An appointment is required to reduce wait times and limit dog vulnerability.