(Lincolnton) Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county’s seventh rabies case of 2025. On Monday August 4th, a resident called Animal Services regarding a skunk that entered his dog’s outdoor dog kennel.
The skunk was dispatched and submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing. There was no human exposure. On Friday August 8th, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the skunk. The dog received a rabies vaccination booster and was placed on a 45-day observation period. We recommend all pet owners to ensure their indoor and outdoor animals are kept current on their rabies vaccine and take advantage of vaccination opportunities through Lincoln County Animal Services and low-cost clinics sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (HATS). Lincoln County residents may schedule an appointment with Lincoln County Animal Services to receive a 1-year rabies vaccination for $10 per pet. To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation. If you see or encounter a wild animal that may be sick, or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.
Resources for rabies vaccination:
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/