Delaware dogs allowed to move in and out of state after kennel cough outbreak order lifted

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has lifted its order preventing shelter and rescue dogs from moving in or out of state.

The order was issued on July 12 after veterinarians discovered an outbreak of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, at multiple Delaware shelters. Over 55 dogs were sick and two had died the day before the order was issued.

Delaware State Veterinarian Karen Lopez said Monday that her office will continue to monitor Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, commonly known as kennel cough, as shelter and rescue dogs begin to move in and out of Delaware again.

All dogs moving into Delaware are required to have a certificate of veterinary inspection from a licensed and nationally accredited veterinarian on an official form from the dog’s state of origin, and all dogs over 4 months old must be vaccinated for rabies.

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Delaware shelters like Brandywine Valley SPCA have already posted the news of the order’s lifting on social media, encouraging prospective adopters from in and outside of the First State to come meet their dogs available for adoption.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.