Santa Rosa County, FL

09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 11:19

Drive-through rabies vaccine clinic

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) and Santa Rosa County Animal Services will host a drive-through rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats, Fri., Sep. 27, from 4- 6 p.m.at Pensacola State College- Milton Campus, 5988 Highway 90 in Milton.

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 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 County Animal Services at 850-983-4680.
  • 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 County Animal Services at 850-983-4680 or DOH-Santa Rosa at 850-983-5200.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

For more information on the drive-through clinic, call 850-564-2278. For additional information about rabies, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies.

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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