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Rabies Awareness:  Rabies in wildlife continues to pose risk to pets, people
Amador County Public Health and Animal Control Departments remind residents that rabies in wildlife continues to pose a risk to pets and people. Multiple wildlife have tested positive for rabies in 2016. In February 2016, a dog tested positive for rabies after contact with a skunk. The dog did not have current vaccination to provide protection from the rabies virus. Due to contact with this animal, multiple people are being treated with post-exposure prophylaxis as a preventative measure. These individuals have NOT tested positive for rabies.

“Rabies vaccinations and awareness are the best defense,” states Kelly Reason, Amador County Animal Control Director. “Owners need to remember the importance of having their pets vaccinated and to follow-up with required boosters as recommended by their veterinarian to keep their pets and families safe.” Indoor animals should also receive this vaccine as bats can be discovered by pets in the home.

In addition to vaccination, there are several things Amador residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:


• Avoid contact with wildlife and animals you do not know. If you or your pets have contact with wildlife, contact Animal Control.

• If you are bitten:

   o Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.
   o Seek medical attention.
   o Contact Amador County Animal Control, so the wildlife can be tested.


• Contact Animal Control and your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a skunk, bat, raccoon or other wildlife.

• If a bat is inside your home, do NOT let it out. Contact Animal Control for testing.


Rabies is a deadly disease that kills both animals and humans. The rabies virus is almost always fatal. The only treatment is prevention. In California, bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are the most frequent carriers of rabies. For more information on rabies and pet vaccination, contact your veterinarian or Amador County Animal Control at (209) 223-6378.

After an often frustrating battle, the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center finally has their new sign. This marks a big step in our efforts to bring the public to the center from Highway 49 in Martel, to give the animals an even better chance to find new furrever homes! 

A-PAL Humane Society's Save the Kittens program continues to thrive, thanks to the effort and dedication of so many folks in our community, and with the help of our local shelter. CLICK TO LEARN MORE!

​This precious boy, is Dusty! 

Dusty had to have life saving surgery due to bladder stones and A-PAL Humane Society paid for his surgery from our Special Needs funds. We are raising the $500 (the cost of his surgery) to put back into our Special Needs fund so we can be ready to help the next animal that needs life saving assistance. Together, we can SAVE THEM ALL! 

Dusty is currently at the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center where this sweet little guy reaches out from the bars and paws at the humans passing by to pet him. This loving little guy was skin and bones when he first came in...now he is beautiful and healthy, post surgery! He is currently on Hill's CD Diet until we get his test results back to see if he'll need a special diet for life. To donate to Dusty and our Special Needs Fund, please follow the link below to the donation page on our website and click "SPECIAL NEEDS" at the very bottom right. If you'd like, you may make note in the "Add special instructions to the seller" that your donation is for Dusty. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of A-PAL Humane Society and it's critters!

​Here's a few of the wonderful dogs that are available for adoption at Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center. Tell your friends and spread the word that these fine dogs are looking for their forever homes!!