Rabies Program

Garrett County Rabies Program

IMPORTANT: Garrett County has experienced six cases of rabies in 2025 to date and seven cases in 2024. Protect your pets and your family from the threat of this disease by bringing your dogs, cats, and ferrets to the clinic in your area. Cost per animal – $5.00.

• Grantsville Elementary School
  • Monday, 9/15/2025, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Fairgrounds
  • Wednesday, 9/17/2025, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Health Department (Oakland)
  • Thursday, 9/18/2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE FLYER TO SHARE AT YOUR OFFICE, SCHOOL, ETC…

It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle your pet within two hours after contact. However, if it is necessary, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact. If you have been bitten by a wild animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately. Persons with questions regarding rabies or rabies clinics should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.

Only pets under the control of a responsible person may be brought to the clinic. Dogs MUST be on a leash. Cats and ferrets MUST be in a cage or tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage/carrier is not available cats MUST be carried in a pillowcase or suitable cloth sack. No other animals will be vaccinated.

Picture: Happy Dog

Official Recommendation from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for dogs, cats, and ferrets 3 months and older:

*Maryland State Law requires all dogs, cats & ferrets over the age of 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies.

Helpful Links:

• Department of Health – Rabies
• Department of Health – Data and Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Rabies

Treatment Guidance: https://garretthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rabies-HRIG-Letter-Signed-by-GCHD-and-MDH-for-HCPs-01-12-2018-1.pdf

Vaccine Information: https://garretthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rabies-Vaccine-Information-2018.pdf

Fact Sheet: https://garretthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rabies-Fact-Sheet.pdf