Spring Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Worcester County to hold Spring Rabies Vaccination Clinics

 Pet owners, mark your calendars and take advantage of the inexpensive rabies vaccinations clinics offered this spring by the Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control.

Rabies is a dangerous fatal disease and ongoing problem in the county. People and animals can be infected by the virus if they are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal. Low-cost rabies clinics are offered to help residents protect their dogs, cats and ferrets.

The scheduled spring clinics will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at:
WORCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL,
 6207 Timmons Road off of Rt. 113, just north of Snow Hill:
● WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
● WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
● WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

BISHOPVILLE VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT, 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, MD
• THURSDAY, MAY 9
The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non-Worcester County residents. Proof of residency is required. Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Below are additional requirements for the clinics:
● If this is not the pet’s first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot in the form of a rabies certificate must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.

● To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.

Keeping pets’ required rabies vaccinations current is the best way to prevent the spread of rabies from the wild animal population to the domestic animal population.
For more information on the clinics or to report animal bites or possible rabies exposures to pets from wild animals contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-352-3234 or 410-641-9559. If an incident occurs after normal business hours, contact your local law enforcement or the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

The health department recommends the following tips to protect your pets and family from rabies exposure:

• Have your dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated regularly and keep those vaccinations current in accordance with the law. (Especially outdoor cats).
• Do not let your pets roam free - they are more likely to have contact with a rabid wild animal.
• Avoid feeding your animals outside; this draws stray and wild animals to your doorstep. (If you must feed outdoors, do not leave the food out overnight and clean up any spillage.)
• Cover your garbage cans securely.
• Avoid sick animals and those acting in an unusual manner and teach your children not to approach wild animals and animals they don’t know.
• If your pet has contact with a wild animal, avoid touching your pet with bare hands (wear gloves or other protective barrier) and do not touch the wild animal. Report the incident immediately to the health department or your local police in order to arrange testing of the wild animal, if available, and consult your veterinarian.