Thousand Palms Pets Can Get Free Rabies Shots This Week

THOUSAND PALMS, CA — To raise awareness about the potential dangers of rabies transmission, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services on Thursday will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs in Jurupa Valley and Thousand Palms.

"Due to the serious nature of this disease, the rabies vaccine is required by law for all dogs in California," Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian Dr. Sara Strongin said.

World Rabies Day is Thursday, and rabies inoculations, as well as microchipping, will be offered free to pet owners who bring in their canines between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd., or the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place.

Pets and people scratched or bitten by a rabid animal can be infected with rabies, which is a viral disease that penetrates the central nervous system, severely impacting cognitive abilities and eventually causing death, if left untreated, according to health officials.

"It's never a good idea to touch or handle an animal, particularly a wild animal, dead or alive," county Disease Control Director Barbara Cole said. "Doing so places an individual at risk of becoming sick with this fatal disease."

Initial symptoms in infected animals include lethargy, fever, vomiting and withering, she said. Within days, ataxia, paralysis, respiratory disruption and excessive salivation can ensue.

"Rabies can be prevented if the proper treatment is administered before symptoms occur," according to a Riverside University Health System statement. "Residents who have had contact with wildlife or unfamiliar animals, or have been bitten or scratched, should wash any wounds immediately with soap and water and then plan to see a healthcare provider."

Additional information regarding the World Rabies Day program is available via the Department of Animal Services, whose staff can be reached at shelterinfo@rivco.org.