{"id":502683,"date":"2026-10-20T22:48:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T22:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/502683\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T22:48:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T22:48:09","slug":"dacc-urges-rabies-vaccinations-for-pets-following-confirmed-rabid-raccoon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/502683\/","title":{"rendered":"DACC Urges Rabies Vaccinations For Pets Following Confirmed Rabid Raccoon"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\tThe Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is emphasizing the critical importance of vaccinating pets against rabies after a raccoon in Westlake Village tested positive for rabies, the first confirmed case in Los Angeles County since 1973.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith rabies being 100% fatal in animals and humans once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is essential,\u201d said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. \u201cOur Vet@ThePark clinics offer free pet vaccinations so residents have an accessible way to protect their pets and their families against the virus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Vaccination Matters<\/p>\n

Rabies is nearly always fatal in animals and humans once symptoms emerge.
\nThe Westlake Village raccoon likely contracted the virus from a bat, underscoring the presence of wildlife rabies carriers.
\nThough rare in Los Angeles County in recent decades, this detection highlights how wildlife can reintroduce the virus to domestic animals.<\/p>\n

What Pet Owners Should Do<\/p>\n

Vaccinate your pets: Rabies vaccines are the most effective and reliable defense against infection.
\nTake advantage of Vet@ThePark events. DACC\u2019s website calendar lists upcoming events at https:\/\/animalcare.lacounty.gov\/calendar\/.
\nDACC\u2019s free or low-cost vaccine clinics are available at multiple locations. Visit https:\/\/animalcare.lacounty.gov\/vaccinations\/ for locations and scheduling.
\nStay vigilant: Keep wildlife away from your home by storing garbage securely, not leaving pet food outdoors, removing fallen fruit or other food sources for wildlife, and keeping yards clean.
\nReport any concerns: If you encounter a wild animal acting strangely, contact DACC or your local animal control agency.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a recently confirmed rabies case, pet owners are strongly encouraged to keep their pets away from wildlife and ensure their rabies vaccinations are up to date,\u201d said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. \u201cPets are family members, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect them from preventable diseases. The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation offers Vet@ThePark clinics through the Department of Animal Care and Control service areas to help residents access affordable veterinary care. Taking these precautions helps protect pets, their owners, and the broader community.\u201d<\/p>\n

About Vet @ThePark Clinics<\/p>\n

DACC\u2019s Vet@ThePark program offers free vaccinations, microchips, and wellness exams throughout the year, ensuring that pet owners have affordable access to preventative veterinary care, including the critical rabies vaccine.\u00a0 Check out DACC\u2019s calendar for upcoming events at https:\/\/animalcare.lacounty.gov\/calendar\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS Radio by Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control.<\/p>\n

\nSponsored Articles\n<\/p>\n

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.\u00a0Don\u2019t miss a thing. Get breaking\u00a0KHTS Santa Clarita News Alerts<\/a>\u00a0delivered right to your inbox.\u00a0Report a typo or error, email [email\u00a0protected]<\/a><\/p>\n

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220<\/a> is Santa Clarita\u2019s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"KHTS<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t