October 7, 2022
SANTA ROSA COUNTY DRIVE THROUGH RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC
Contact:
Dana Grissom, PIO
PIO.CHD57@flhealth.gov
850-564-2291
Milton, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) and Santa Rosa Animal Control will host a drive-through rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats, Friday, October 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Animal Services facility, 4451 Pine Forest Road in Milton.
Veterinarians from Pace Veterinary Clinic and The Ark Animal Hospital will provide the vaccine and administer the injections for a $10.00 fee. Cash and checks are only payment methods accepted. A valid driver’s license will be required for all checks. A certificate of vaccination and rabies tag will be provided. No other services will be available. Pets must be secured in a vehicle, crate or on leash.
“We are happy to be able to partner with Animal Control and the local veterinarians to provide this service,” said R. Matthew Dobson, Administrator of DOH-Santa Rosa. “These clinics are always well attended. Typically, the veterinarians and their staff will vaccinate 200 to 300 dogs and cats. It’s a very worthwhile effort.”
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.
The Department of Health advises the public to take these precautions to avoid exposing themselves or their pets to rabies:
Friday Oct 21, 2022
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Printed courtesy of www.navarrechamber.com/ – Contact the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.
1804 Prado Street, Navarre, FL 32566 – (850) 939-3267 – Chanda.Ryan@navarrechamber.com