Following recent confirmation from the Arizona Game and Fish Department regarding a rabies-positive bobcat in the Williamson Valley area, we want to share an important reminder for our community.
Encounters between wildlife and pets can happen, even in our neighborhoods. One of the best ways to protect your animals and your family is to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.
Rabies is spread through saliva, typically from a bite or contact with open skin, and many exposures can go unnoticed.
Please also ensure your dogs are current on their city dog license. Licensing shows Animal Control that your dog is vaccinated and can help prevent extended quarantine times if an exposure occurs.
If a pet bites a person, the quarantine period is typically 10 days. If a pet is exposed to wildlife and is NOT vaccinated for rabies, it may be removed from your home and quarantined for up to four months.
Here are a few simple ways to help keep your pets safe:
- Keep pets current on rabies vaccinations
- Ensure your dog’s city license is up to date
- When off your property, keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet (City Code 5-2-5B)
- If you have indoor/outdoor cats, make sure they are vaccinated for rabies
- Do not touch bats, including those found on the ground or in your pool
- Watch for abnormal wildlife activity, especially animals that appear disoriented, sick, having vertigo symptoms, or unusually active during the day.
Report unusual wildlife or animals appearing sick to Arizona Game and Fish and your local animal control. Do not approach these animals. Keep a safe distance and keep them in view if possible until help arrives.
On This Day in History — 1805
Rabies is a serious, deadly, and preventable virus, which is why vaccination is critical.
City of Prescott dog licenses can be completed through petdata.com, Yavapai Humane Society, City Hall, or your local veterinarian.
If you have questions about your pet’s vaccinations, please contact your local veterinarian.
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1 thought on “Rabies Safety Reminder – Prescott Police Department”
We live in Longview Estates and have an empty lot next to us and we have seen a bobcat during the day walk right through our yard one in the backyard one in the front yard sightings and it’s very visible during the day. It does not appear to be disoriented I believe it’s a female, but it’s very big and this is an elderly neighborhood. I would hate to see one of our neighbors get injured we’ve known the bobcats been here but only night sightings, but it was weird to see this cat during the day and so close to the house. I have a couple pictures of the cat going down my driveway.
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