World Rabies Day

Today, September 28th, is World Rabies Day. Rabies is 100% preventable, but it’s up to you to ensure your pets and loved ones are protected. How can you do this?

1) Vaccinate your pet. Rabies vaccines are required by most municipalities for dogs AND cats. However, ferrets and select livestock should also be given rabies vaccines as well! Contact us today if you’re unsure of your pet’s vaccination status.

2) Avoid wild animals, especially bats. Most of the human cases in the United States have resulted from exposure to bats. If you find a bat in your home, call animal control right away.

3) Don’t let your pets roam free. This helps reduce the possibility of exposure to wild animals that may have rabies.

4) Don’t leave exposed garbage or pet food outside. This helps deter wild animals from visiting your home.

5) If you observe a wild animal (especially raccoons, skunks and foxes) acting strangely, such as excessive drooling, aggressiveness, staggering, or out when they’re not typically out (such as nocturnal animals out during the day), call animal control right away to report the type of animal, behaviors, and locations you saw.

(Photo courtesy of: https://veterinaryha.org)