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Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system causing disease in the brain and death.Any mammal can become infected with rabies. The virus can infect domestic pets, agricultural animals such as cows and horses, and people when they are exposed to a rabid animal. Rabies is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal but also can be spread by the saliva coming into contact with an open wound or broken skin.

Additional information about Rabies is available at the NC Department of Health and Human Services Epidemiology Division's website by clicking here. North Carolina state law requires owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to have their pets currently vaccinated against rabies, beginning at four months of age and wear a valid rabies tag at all times.

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What You Can Do

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.

• Avoid wildlife. Do not touch, pet or feed any wildlife whether they appear to be sick or not.

• Do not approach any animal that is unfamiliar to you or your family.

• Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.

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Should your pet come in contact with an animal that might be considered a rabies carrier, contact CCAS immediately at 704-481-9884, or call 911 after regular business hours.

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CCAS only picks up wildlife if it is a rabies vector displaying suspicious behavior. That includes but is not limited to:

• Unprovoked aggression

• Appearing drunk, confused, or unable to maintain balance

• Appearing completely unaware of its surroundings

• Biting at the air or random objects

• Fur loss and low body weight are not usually signs of rabies but can indicate other types of illness, such as mange. In which case, we would NOT pick up.

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UPCOMING VACCINATION CLINICS

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Join Cleveland County Animal Services on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, for our FREE Rabies Clinic at Burns High School!

📍 Location: Burns High School (30 E Stage Coach Trail, Lawndale, NC, 28090)
📅 Date: June 20th, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Due to the recent uptick in positive rabies cases across Cleveland County, it is more important than ever to make sure your pets are properly vaccinated. Rabies is a deadly virus that poses a serious risk to both animals and people, and vaccinating your pets is one of the best ways to protect your family and our community.

Rabies vaccinations will be provided FREE of charge to Cleveland County residents. Please remember that rabies vaccinations are required by North Carolina state law for cats, dogs, and ferrets over four months of age.
Please make sure all dogs are on a leash and cats are safely secured in a carrier.

 

Wildlife Assistance

 

Got a Wildlife Problem? Check out the guide for Statewide Resources.

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The NC Wildlife Helpline is here to help! While they do not remove or relocate wild animals, their trained biologists can provide information including:

• General information about wildlife and their behavior

• How to deal with wildlife damage

• Ways to prevent conflicts with wildlife on your property

• Where to find Wildlife Damage Control Agents, Wildlife Rehabilitators, and other partners who may be able to provide on-the-ground assistance

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Hours of Operation

Call 1-866-318-2401

Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

(Excluding Holidays)

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More information on problems with wildlife -

https://www.ncwildlife.org/connect/have-wildlife-problem