Roanoke Valley SPCA warns of parvo cases as dogs spend more time outdoors

Roanoke families urged to keep pets up-to-date on vaccinations before visiting dog parks and other public spaces

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Roanoke Valley SPCA is warning local dog owners about a rise in parvo cases after six of eight rescued puppies tested positive for the highly contagious and sometimes deadly virus. Staff are stressing the importance of timely vaccinations and boosters to keep pets safe, especially as the weather warms and dogs spend more time outdoors in public areas.

Why it matters

Parvo is a serious concern for pet owners, as the virus can be costly and intensive to treat. Outbreaks can also pose a risk to the broader community if unvaccinated dogs interact at dog parks or other public spaces. The SPCA's warning highlights the need for Roanoke families to be proactive about their pets' health and vaccination status before venturing out.

The details

According to the SPCA, six of eight rescued puppies recently tested positive for parvo, a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's gastrointestinal tract and can be fatal if left untreated. Staff described the intensive and expensive treatment required to care for the infected puppies, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations and boosters to prevent such outbreaks.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA issued the parvo warning in early March 2026 as warmer weather arrived and dogs began spending more time outdoors.

The players