Date: February 1, 2013
Contact: Amy Cooper, Director
Sonoma County Animal Care and Control
(707) 565-7100
Santa Rosa, CA – In response to a confirmed case of rabies in an unvaccinated domestic cat in the Glen Ellen area, the Sonoma County Department of Health Services announces that VIP PetCare will be offering low cost rabies vaccination throughout Sonoma County.
This incident of rabies in Sonoma County serves as an important reminder that rabies is still present in our animal populations, and sporadic cases in domestic animals can still occur. Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are most often affected in California, but all mammals can become infected. People should not pet or touch wild animals, including feral cats.
Although this case of rabies is the first domestic animal in the county to test positive since 1997, it highlights the dangers of failing to vaccinate pets. Vaccination is essential to protect the health of pets and their owners. State law requires vaccination of all dogs and it is strongly recommended that cats be vaccinated. It’s important to know your pets’ vaccination dates and to keep their vaccinations up to date.
To help assist families in getting their pets vaccinated, VIP PetCare will be offering $5.00 canine and feline rabies vaccinations for the month of February throughout Sonoma County. Go to the VIP PetCare website, call (800) 427-7973, or download this list of clinic locations (pdf) for clinic times and locations. You may also contact your pet’s personal veterinarian who can provide rabies vaccinations. All revenue from rabies vaccinations through VIP PetCare during this period will be donated to the “Love Me Fix Me” spay/neuter program hosted by Sonoma County Animal Care and Control.
For more information about animal vaccinations or rabies go to the Sonoma County Animal Control website or the California Department of Public Health rabies web page