DOH-Santa Rosa Hosts Drive-Through Rabies Vaccination Clinic

September 13, 2024  
 
DOH-Santa Rosa Hosts 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, September 27, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the following location:

Pensacola State College- Milton Campus
5988 Highway 90
Milton, FL 32583
 
Enter at the second entrance on Highway 90 Westbound and follow directional signs.
 
Veterinarians from The Ark Animal Hospital will provide the vaccine and administer the injections for a $10 fee. Cash and checks are the 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 the DOH-Santa Rosa Health Administrator R. Matthew Dobson.   “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 fatal but preventable. The best and easiest way to prevent pets from contracting rabies is by ensuring they are up to date on their rabies shot.
 
DOH-Santa Rosa recommends the following rabies prevention tips to protect yourself, family members, and pets: 

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule. 
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Santa Rosa Animal Control at 850-983-5680.  
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to Santa Rosa Animal Control at 850-983-5680 or DOH-Santa Rosa at 850-983-5200. 
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Santa Rosa Animal Control at 850-983-5680. 
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.