Drive through rabies vaccine clinic 10/13/23

Drive through rabies vaccine clinic

October 13, 4 - 6 p.m.

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Animal Services and local veterinarians are offering low-cost rabies vaccines for cats and dogs on Fri., Oct. 13 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Santa Rosa County Animal Services, 4451 Pine Forest Road in Milton.

Rabies vaccines are $10 per animal, cash or check, a driver's license is required if paying by check. All animals must be secured in the vehicle. Cats should be secured in a carrier and will receive the vaccine in a private room inside the shelter. A certificate of vaccination and rabies tag will be provided.

Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals through a bite or scratch. In the U.S., more than 90 percent of rabies cases occur in wild animals, such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats, but domesticated animals can carry it as well.

Rabies is fatal to humans and animals. However, vaccines can prevent rabies in humans if administered immediately after exposure. An animal suffering from rabies may appear sick or lethargic, have problems swallowing, or drool or salivate excessively. A wild animal may appear tamer than usual and try to approach people. Some animals may have no visible symptoms at all. Even baby animals can carry rabies. That is why avoiding contact with adult and baby animals is essential. The best and easiest way to prevent pets from contracting rabies is by getting them a rabies shot.

For more information on the drive-through clinic, contact Tom Verlaan at 983-5200, ext. 2278.

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Santa Rosa County Animal Services' mission is to build a society in which every animal is treated with compassion; we provide humane shelter and care for the approximately 3,500 lost, displaced and victimized animals who enter our doors every year. Our services protect animals and educate the community through outreach, intervention, and enforcement. To learn more, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals.

Serving our community, committed to excellence.

www.santarosa.fl.gov