Animal Hospital by the Sea

08/22/2026

So you know...

this article is a year old, but the information is solid. Please note...bites are not the only way the virus can be transmitted...

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/health/rabies-animal-vaccine-disease-health-wellness?fbclid=IwY2xjawT26qNwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVJHWndaNmFoU1hqN0pDUHVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNFGTWgQIFpDRO0nD6Gw_JNIOIKgEzziB1p2lzFluQ3Ybjz8lvqGFZ5KPuIY_aem_xpPA_0UtRN5lQF5gtmuThg

While dogs are responsible for the majority of human rabies deaths worldwide, contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths in the US.

08/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzvmgSgeW/

Dog food sold in 11 states has been recalled because it’s contaminated with salmonella. MORE BELOW ⬇️

08/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGvTPzgLG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Federal authorities allege the company’s products repeatedly infected consumers over several years.

08/13/2026

PARVOVIRUS ALERT - This morning a young adult dog came in very sick with a diagnosis of Canine Parvovirus, a severe, life threatening vomiting/diarrhea/sepsis condition that can be fatal in 20% of cases, no matter what treatment you provide. This is only the third "native" case we've seen in 15 years (a dog that has only been on Whidbey.) This virus can live up to 30 years or more in the soil, and the only reliable and effective way to prevent it is to keep your dog current on its vaccinations. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY. This dog is a family dog spending essentially all his time in a neighborhood in Greenbank (NOT a visitor to the Greenbank Farm) and yet he still was exposed. Here's hoping he is able to recover!

08/04/2026

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Island County

A bat found inside a local home recently tested positive for rabies. The family took the right steps by coordinating with public health to test the animal, and they are currently receiving proper care.

Late summer is a peak time for bat activity. While local bats are highly beneficial to our ecosystem, they are the primary carriers of rabies in Washington state.

Please keep your family and pets safe by following these protocols:

- Do Not Touch Bats: Never handle a bat with bare hands. Teach children not to touch bats or other wild animals.
- Report Encounters: If you find a bat in your home contact Island County Public Health and your healthcare provider. Public health can help determine if an exposure occurred. Do not release the bat, as it may need to be tested.
- Bat-Proof Your Home: Inspect your home for small gaps or holes, and ensure window screens are secure. If bats are present contact a bat exclusion professional.
- Vaccinate Pets: Keep your dogs, cats, and ferrets fully up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Follow Up on Bites: If bitten by a bat or other animal, wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact your healthcare provider and Island County Public Health immediately.

For safe capture instructions or more information, please visit: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/624/Zoonotics-and-Rabies.

Please note that Island County Public Health does not provide wildlife exclusion or relocation services. We are working to connect the community member with available options.

State rabies guidelines are also available at the WA DOH website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/rabies.

08/04/2026

from another community site:
A bat found in a home in FREELAND is reported to have just tested positive for RABIES.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE WITH VACCINATIONS, and BE CAREFUL WHEN COMING IN TO CONTACT WITH OUR LOCAL BATS.

08/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18aRJsMKRu/

REUNITED! Found animal report: Name on tag is Winston and was found in the Goss Lake area. If this is your dog, please contact WAIF for the finder’s information. At this time, Winston is currently NOT at WAIF.