A rabid cat has Lake County health officials sounding the alarm, with a 60-day rabies alert now in effect for part of Tavares and free pet vaccination clinics rolling out at the county shelter. The alert covers neighborhoods around Lake Dora, in an area roughly bordered by El Red Drive to the north, Lake Dora Drive by Wooton Park to the south, Griffin Oaks Way to the east, and Lake Shore Boulevard to the west. Residents are being urged to keep pets leashed, steer clear of wildlife, and get animals protected while the free shots are on offer.
The alert was triggered after a cat captured off Wood Avenue on April 22 tested positive for rabies, according to WFTV. The Florida Department of Health in Lake County says it is actively monitoring rabies in local wildlife and flags raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes as higher-risk species. Officials stress that anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal should get medical attention right away and report the incident to health authorities.
Where to go for help
The Lake County Animal Shelter is the main local hub for both pet vaccinations and shelter services. It is located at 12280 County Road 448 in Tavares and can be reached at (352) 343-9688, according to Lake County Animal Services. The shelter is hosting the county’s rabies vaccination effort; callers can confirm eligibility, needed documentation, and on-site logistics.
Clinic dates and requirements
Free rabies vaccines for household pets owned by City of Tavares residents will be available at the Lake County Animal Shelter on Friday, April 24, from 1–4 p.m.; Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.–noon; Monday, April 27, from 1–4 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 28, from 1–4 p.m., according to WFTV. Proof of Tavares' residency will be required, and residents with questions about the clinics can call the shelter at (352) 343-9688.
How to protect pets and people
Rabies is a preventable but deadly disease; timely post-exposure treatment and up-to-date pet vaccinations can stop infections, according to guidance from the Florida Department of Health. The Florida Department of Health in Lake County can be reached at (352) 707-6104 to report possible exposures and get public-health guidance, per the county health department’s contact page.
Non-emergency animal enforcement and stray pickup are handled by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement Unit at (352) 343-2101, while the Lake County Animal Shelter can answer clinic-specific questions at (352) 343-9688. Officials emphasize that keeping pets current on their rabies shots is one of the simplest ways to protect both animals and people.
