The staff and I welcome you to The Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor website. We have been putting much thought in offering you an efficient website that will provide you with important information along with little casual tidbits. Our website also provides links to other trusted animal websites that will give you detailed information on your search subject.

The are many useful functions to this site. Such as our Rx Refill page, if you need a refill to a medication. If you would like to ask us animal-related questions please feel free to use the Ask The Staff section of the website. Also, a periodic newsletter will provide current information that is pertinent to this area.

In keeping with current information, the following information was provided by Pinellas County.

- Animal Services is proceeding with its annual oral rabies vaccination campaign in a continuing effort to stem the threat of rabies.

- Using Mosquito Control helicopters, fishmeal baits containing a tough polymer packet of rabies vaccine are being dropped in many of Pinellas County's wooded areas and preserves where raccoons are known to live. The packet ruptures when bitten into and releases a dose of the vaccine.

- The primary treatment area is north of Gulf to Bay Blvd. and includes Brooker Creek and the Hillsborough-Pinellas-Pasco County borders.

- The program targets raccoons, the primary source of rabies in Florida. The bait is not harmful to healthy people or pets. People with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with the baits.

- Animal Services has actively pursued rabies management since an explosive outbreak of raccoon rabies more than a decade ago.

- Vaccination of pets is the single greatest tool to prevent the spead of rabies. Animal Services officials urge individuals to protect themselves by protecting their animals. Dogs and cats over four months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license tag. Pet ferrets also should be vaccinated.

- In 2005, three cases of raccoon rabies occurred in north Pinellas County. So far this year, no cases have been documented.

We hope you enjoy your visit and please leave us your comments on the Contact Us page.

Sincerely,

Bryan F. McGoldrick D.V.M.