Animal Services

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pets and community safe from rabies.

General Information

• What is Rabies?
  Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is most commonly spread through the bite of a rabid animal. Symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
• How is Rabies Transmitted?
  Rabies is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The virus can also be spread if saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as the eyes or mouth.
• How Can I Protect My Pets from Rabies?
  
  • Vaccinate Your Pets: Ensure your pets receive regular rabies vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Keep Pets Supervised: Do not let your pets roam freely. Keep them on a leash or within a secured area.
  • Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Do not allow pets to interact with wild animals. Wildlife can be carriers of rabies.
  • Report Stray Animals: Contact local animal control if you see a stray animal acting strangely.
• What Should I Do if My Pet is Bitten by Another Animal?
  If your pet is bitten by another animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even if your pet is vaccinated, a booster shot may be necessary. Report the incident to WCRAS Dispatch at 775-322-3647 (DOGS).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my rabies certificate for my pet being forwarded from my veterinarian to the Washoe County Health District?

Under state law (Nevada Administrative Code 441A.412), your veterinarian is required to send a copy of the vaccination certificate to the Washoe County Health District. This ensures that rabies vaccinations are regularly administered for the safety of our pets, residents, and visitors.

I am a veterinarian, how do I submit rabies certificates to Northern Nevada Public Health (formerly Washoe County Health District)?

Under state law (Nevada Administrative Code 441A.412), veterinarians in Washoe County are required to send a copy of the vaccination certificate to Northern Nevada Public Health (formerly Washoe County Health District). These certificates can be emailed to healthehs@nnph.org. 

What is being done with this information?

Once the rabies certificate is received by the Washoe County Health District, it is sent to Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS), the “Designee” responsible for monitoring possible rabies exposure to domestic animals. WCRAS inputs the information into their database to maintain accurate rabies vaccination records within the county. This helps ensure community safety and supports proactive disease prevention strategies.

Is this information being used for dog licensing compliance?

Yes, Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) uses rabies certificates to help ensure a safe and healthy community for both pets and people. Along with other regulations, WCRAS is responsible for obtaining licensing compliance from owners of dogs living in congested areas of Washoe County that are four months of age or older (W.C.C. 55.340). Rabies certificates help ascertain the animal population in Washoe County and their license status, and provide a friendly reminder to pet owners about when their vaccine and/or license is due.

Why license my dog?

Within congested areas of Washoe County, all dogs over the age of four months are required to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed with Washoe County Regional Animal Services (W.C.C. 55.340, W.C.C. 55.350). Licensing your dog provides proof of ownership should they become lost. WCRAS will attempt to notify you and return your dog home without impounding the dog, reducing stress on you and your pet. 

How is license revenue utilized?

License revenue supports proactive outreach and valuable community services such as educational programs for students and civic groups, pet assistance for seniors, low-cost pet vaccinations, free microchips, and assistance during disasters and emergencies. Additionally, revenues help care for thousands of lost and abandoned animals that enter the shelter.

How do I license my dog?

WCRAS has made it simple to license your dog in one of three ways:

• Online: License My Dog
• In person: 2825 Longley Ln #A, Reno, NV 89502 during normal business hours.
• By Mail: Complete the Mail-in pet Licensing Form and mail to:
  DocuPet
  15 Technology Place, Suite 1
  East Syracuse, NY 13057