Protection From Rabies

To keep you and your pets safe from rabies, the Georgia Division of Public Health makes several suggestions:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, ferrets, and dogs.
• Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under control.
• Consider spaying and neutering pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.
• Call Animal Services at 706-613-3540 to remove all stray animals or seriously sick wildlife from your neighborhood.

Signs of Sickness in Animals

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services responds to complaints of seriously sick wildlife in Athens-Clarke County. Signs of sickness or rabies include:

• Severe hair loss
• Mucous in the eyes or nose
• Excessive salivation, dementia, or aggressive behavior

Daytime activity of otherwise nocturnal animals is occasionally a sign of sickness. However, during spring and early summer, while offspring are being born and raised, it is not rare to find wildlife active during the day, especially on overcast days or on wooded lots. Remove bird feeders, pet food, and access to other types of food or water to decrease the chances of wildlife interaction with pets and people.