Rabies Information

Information provided by lakecountyil.gov

Rabies

The number of human rabies cases in this country has dramatically declined due to improved rabies vaccination programs for pets and better treatment for people who have been bitten. The majority of recent human cases acquired in the U.S. have resulted from exposure to bats. To prevent the spread of rabies to humans, keep your pet’s vaccinations current, and avoid contact with wild animals.

Dogs are still a significant source of rabies in other countries. Be aware of this risk when traveling outside of the United States.

What You Can Do to Help Control Rabies

  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your cats, dogs, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date. Your vet will advise you on the recommended or required frequency of rabies vaccinations.
  • Reduce the possibility of rabies exposure by keeping your animal on your property. Don’t let your pet roam free. Don’t leave garbage or pet food outside, because it may attract wild or stray animals.
  • Wild animals should not be kept as pets. They are a potential rabies threat to their owners and to others. Observe all wild animals from a distance, even if they do appear friendly.
  • A rabid animal may act tame. Don’t go near it. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to Animal Care and Control. Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals – mainly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes.

If You Have Been Bitten

  • Don’t panic, but don’t ignore the bite.
  • Wash the wound thoroughly and vigorously with soap and lots of water.
  • If possible, capture the animal under a large box or at least try to identify it before it runs away. Don’t try to pick the animal up. If the animal cannot be caught and it must be killed to prevent its escape, don’t damage the head. The brain will be needed to test for rabies.
  • Depending on the severity of the bite, immediately contact your physician and then our department. A warden will come to get the animal if you have been able to capture the biter.
  • Report any bite to Animal Care and Control as soon as possible after obtaining the necessary medical attention! Telephone: 847-377-4700.

Rabies Tags & Registration Fees

The most common reason pets are impounded at Animal Care and Control is due to not wearing tags.

  • The law requires that pets wear current rabies tags.
  • The rabies identification tag is your pet’s “free phone call home.”
  • If you’ve moved or changed your phone number be sure to contact your veterinarian and Animal Care & Control.
  • Lost pets without identification are rarely reunited with their owners.
  • Any pet can get lost…even yours! That’s why your pet needs to wear its tag!

Pursuant to the Lake County, IL Code of Ordinances Chapter 172, every dog and cat older than 4 months residing in Lake County must be vaccinated against rabies and be registered. The official rabies certificate and fee must be submitted by the owner or caretaker of each animal at the time of rabies vaccination, or within a maximum time period of 30 days after the vaccination. The period of pet registration submitted (1 to 3 years) must agree with that noted on the vaccination certificate you will receive from the veterinarian.
 
Important note: Registration of all dogs and cats in Lake County must be completed within 30 days after vaccination. Failure to comply may result in additional financial penalties.

Rabies Tag Fees

Dog and cat rabies tag fees are as follows:

  • 1 year neutered/spayed pet – $12
  • 1 year non-neutered/spayed pet – $52
  • 3 year neutered/spayed pet* – $27
  • 3 year non-neutered/spayed pet – $127

* Pets 9 months of age and older must be neutered/spayed on or before the vaccination date to qualify for the reduced fee.

Animal Hospital of Lake Villa
101 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Lake Villa, IL 60046

Phone: (847) 356-8387
Text: (847) 356-8387
Fax: (847) 558-2606

In Case of Emergency
Premier Veterinary Group
Phone: (847) 548-5300

Contact Us