Spring is here and so, too, is parvo (Canine Parvovirus) season, a time of year when the highly contagious, often fatal, viral disease in puppies and unvaccinated dogs is at its most prevalent.

Due to the infectious nature of the disease, spread via feces, and often high-mortality rate, parvo has long been considered an untreatable and challenging disease to treat within animal shelters throughout the country.

The Arizona Humane Society is about to change that. AHS is asking for the community’s help in funding the state’s largest Parvo Puppy ICU. It is projected that the clinic will be able to treat approximately 240 puppies and dogs in the first year at an average cost of $539 per animal, with a success rate of more than 80 percent.

While this ICU will be critical in saving more lives of a currently at-risk group within shelters, it is important to note that parvo is not just a shelter problem, but can also have very adverse effects on the community. Puppies who have not been fully vaccinated by their pet owners should not attend communal areas until they have had all of their booster shots as they are most susceptible to the Parvo virus. It is imperative they receive all of their vaccinations beginning at 6 weeks of age until 18-20 weeks, and annually throughout their life. Unvaccinated dogs are also at high risk for contracting the disease.

To make a donation to the Parvo Puppy ICU, visit www.azhumane.org/parvopuppyicu.