Canine parvovirus outbreaks in shelters cause mass suffering and death, disproportionately affecting puppies and unvaccinated dogs from disadvantaged communities.
Parvovirus causes extreme suffering through profuse hemorrhagic diarrhea, unrelenting vomiting, severe dehydration, and septic shock. Affected puppies experience days of agonizing illness, and many die despite intensive supportive care. Shelter outbreaks create impossible triage decisions and profound stress for both animals and staff. Equitable access to vaccination is a key welfare intervention.