Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Release Form
HALO Animal Rescue would like to advise its potential adopters that recently we have seen multiple cases of
Canine Distemper Virus both in our facility, post adoption as well as reported cases at other local shelters and
vet hospitals. We have very high sanitation standards and we make every attempt to prevent the spread of
diseases however, there is always a chance that a dog that was recently cared for at HALO could have been
exposed or infected by the diseases and not currently showing signs.
Canine distemper is one of the most significant and highly contagious viral diseases of puppies and
unvaccinated dogs. Canine distemper affects dogs at any age.
What canine distemper is in terms of symptoms may be confused with other diseases due to its universal and
wide range clinical manifestations. Common symptoms are either gastrointestinal (such as vomiting,
decrease in appetite, and diarrhea) or respiratory in nature (clear to green nasal/ocular discharge, difficulty in
breathing). Transient fever or dramatic and sporadic increases in body temperature is a telltale sign of the
infection. Behavioral changes include lethargy, weakness, and depression. Neurological signs may also be
seen such as muscle twitching especially near the mouth and legs. Seizures and paralysis may occur in severe
cases. A more or less unique skin sign in dogs with canine distemper is the hardening of footpads and nose
pad most evident in older dogs. Sudden death is not uncommon with this disease.
If any of these symptoms are seen you should take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Failure to
initiate immediate treatment will significantly lower your dog’s chances of survival.
Initial:
____I acknowledge that all dogs in my household have been or will be vaccinated before bringing home
my new companion.
____I hereby fully and completely release HALO Animal Rescue and its officers, employees and agents
from any claim, cause of action, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities of any kind of nature.
____I assume all financial responsibility for any further treatment required and will not hold HALO
Animal Rescue financially or otherwise responsible in any way.
____I agree to keep my newly adopted dog separated from other dogs for at least 2 weeks. Puppies
should not be taken to ANY public areas around other dogs until the age of 16 weeks and are fully
vaccinated.
Adopter Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________
HALO Rep. Signature: ______________________________________________Date: _____________________
Parvovirus Release Form
HALO Animal Rescue would like to advise its potential adopters that recently we have had a few cases of
Canine Parvovirus in our facility. We have very high sanitation standards and we make every attempt to
prevent the spread of diseases however, there is always a chance that a dog that was recently cared for at
HALO could be exposed or infected by the diseases and not currently showing signs.
Canine parvovirus disease is currently the most common infectious disorder of dogs in the United States.
'Parvo' is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody, vomiting, dehydration
and failure to eat or drink.
Current vaccinations have helped to control the spread of this disease but despite being vaccinated, some
dogs still contract Parvo. Parvovirus is spread through contact with feces containing the virus. The virus is
known to survive on inanimate objects - such as clothing, food pans, and cage floors - for 5 months and longer
in the right conditions. The normal incubation period (time from exposure to the virus to the time when signs
of disease appear) is from 7-14 days. Parvovirus can be found in the feces several days before clinical signs of
disease appear, and may last for one to two weeks after the onset of the disease.
There is a broad range in the severity of symptoms shown by dogs that are infected with parvovirus. Many
adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few, if any, symptoms. The majority of cases of disease are seen in
dogs less than 6 months of age with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age.
There are also significant differences in response to parvovirus infections and vaccines among different
breeds of dogs, with Rottweilers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Labrador Retrievers
being more susceptible than other breeds.
Parvovirus enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody
feces, and in severe cases, fever and lack of appetite. Acute parvovirus enteritis can be seen in dogs of
any breed, sex, or age. The disease will progress very rapidly and death can occur as early as two days
after the onset of the disease. If any of these symptoms are seen you should take your dog to a
veterinarian immediately. Failure to initiate immediate treatment significantly lowers a dog’s chances of
survival.
I hereby fully and completely release HALO Animal Rescue and its officers, employees and agents from
any claim, cause of action, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities of any kind of nature.
I assume all financial responsibility for any further treatment required and will not hold HALO Animal
Rescue financially or otherwise responsible in any way.
I agree to keep my newly adopted dog separated from other dogs for at least 2 weeks.
Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________
HALO Representative: _____________________________________Date: _____________________