Tulsa Animal Welfare has been closed since last month due to a distemper outbreak, but now we're learning the contagious virus isn't just there.

Mercy Sakes Second Chance Dogs Rescue in Broken Arrow couldn't turn a blind eye to the outbreak.

Lauren Opryszek, marketing and fundraising coordinator for the rescue, said they had to save a few.

"We knew we needed to go in there and at least pick a couple dogs that really needed our help, so we went through and eight of them ended up speaking to our hearts," Opryszek said.

Now half of the dogs they pulled have come down with distemper, Opryszek said.

"It's very quick and it's very contagious," Opryszek said, "Any kind of contact, it can even be caught airborne."

The rescue said it's running rampant on the streets of Tulsa.

"We just got a dog yesterday who was very injured and needed our help, and he has it," Opryszek said. "While we were trying to trap a pregnant dog, we trapped a fox and the fox even had it so even our wildlife is having it right now."

Distemper can lead to neurological issues and can be deadly. That's why rescues and shelters are urging you to vaccinate your pets.

"It could be as simple as your dog slipping off his leash and coming across a stray dog and it could kill your dog," Opryszek said. "So, it's very important that their vaccinated."

If you see a stray in Tulsa, there are limited options.

Tulsa Animal Welfare is working to mitigate the issue there, but it doesn't have a reopening date planned yet.

Other rescues like Mercy Sakes have been forced to halt new intakes.

"There's really nowhere to take them honestly," Opryszek said.

Until this outbreak is under control, Green Country shelters and rescues will be under pressure.