Rabies Prevention
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies when they turn 4 months old.
Animals are required to be issued a CCBH rabies vaccination tag or microchip after receiving the rabies vaccination at a local veterinary office or clinic.
The Board of Health operates a rabies prevention program aimed at keeping the disease from spreading to pets and people.
Rabies is a serious disease that affects animals and humans and can result in death if left untreated. It is commonly associated with wild animals such as raccoons, skunk, bats, foxes and coyotes. The disease can spread to people and pets when the saliva from a rabid animal enters the body by way of a bite or a scratch, or through contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
The CCBH works with local animal control officers in the event of an animal bite.
For more information on rabies, visit the
Board of Health website.
Mosquitoes
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health monitors the region for mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus. Typically, several infected mosquitoes are found during the summer months, but the number peaks in July and August.
Click here for how to prevent mosquito bites and symptoms of West Nile.
Animals in Public Venues
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also oversees animals in public venues. Anyone displaying animals in a pet store, petting zoo or other exhibit must be licensed annually and undergo inspection to make sure precautions are being taken to protect the public from disease.
For more information, visit the Board of Health website.