Rabies Prevention
Animal Services works with the Sonoma County Public Health Officer, veterinarians, and the entire community to help prevent the spread of rabies in Sonoma County. Rabies is a very serious disease that is almost always fatal to humans and domestic animals if not treated before symptoms appear.
State and local laws require dogs over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies, as well as licensed. The initial vaccination is good for one year. After that, rabies vaccinations are needed every three years.
Cats four months old or older are required by Sonoma County ordinance to be vaccinated annually against rabies.
In 2025, Sonoma County recorded four positive rabies tests : one bat, one dog and two cats.
What You Can Do
It's up to all of us to prevent rabies. Here's what you can do:
- Vaccinate all domestic dogs and cats. It's the single most important step you can take to prevent rabies, and it's required by law for all dogs and cats age four months and older.
- Never handle wildlife and teach your children to admire wild animals from a distance.
- Get vaccinated against rabies. If you work with domestic or wild animals, or in situations where you might be exposed to wildlife, consider getting vaccinated.
- Report exposure or potential exposure to rabies:
- If you have been bitten by an animal or think you have been exposed to rabies, call the County of Sonoma Disease Control Unit at (707) 565-4567.
- If your pet has been bitten by an animal or think they have been exposed to rabies, call Sonoma County Animal Services at (707) 565-7100.
- If you suspect a wild animal has rabies, call Sonoma County Animal Services at (707) 565-7100.
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