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Rabies is viral disease, primarily spread through bites and scratches from infected animals. Rabies can be fatal in humans if care is not received in a timely manner. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you’ve been exposed to a rabid animal.

Tips to Protect Your Family & Pets from Rabies

Teach children to enjoy wild animals from afar. Adults and children should not attempt to touch or feed wildlife. If you see any unusual animal activity, report it to Goochland County Department of Animal Protection, keep your family and pets far away from the animal. Unusual animal activity includes difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, staggering, and aggression.

Help prevent the spread of rabies by ensuring your animals, both domestic and livestock, are up to date on their vaccines. By law, cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies.

If you see an injured or dead animal, do not touch it without gloves. Keep children and other animals away.

If your animal is in a fight or kills a wild animal, contact Goochland County Department of Animal Protection at 804-556-5302, and call your vet. Your pet may need to isolate.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RABIES IN ANIMALS: 

Difficulty breathing

Excessive salivation

Staggering

Aggression

After any animal bite: 

If you are bitten by an animal, see your doctor immediately. Animal bites are prone to infection, and you may need rabies or tetanus vaccines. Report the bite to Goochland County Department of Animal Protection at 804-556-5302.

Bats and Rabies

If you find a bat in your house do not try to remove it yourself - try to trap it in a room and make sure all people and animals avoid the room. Call the Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 to remove the bats safely.

If you find a bat in your house contact the Goochland Health Department at 804-556-5843 to see if a rabies vaccine is necessary. Bats have tiny teeth and their bites aren't always felt.

Stray Cats and Dogs

If you are feeding stray cats and/or dogs on your property, they are yours, even if they live outside. It is up to you to make sure they get vaccinated. If the animals are not wanted, you can call Goochland County Department of Animal Protection at 804-556-5302, or Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 to have the animals removed.

Cats and dogs are most likely to bite when they feel threatened, do not touch unknown animals and provide them plenty of space.