Into the Woods Pet First Aid+CPR

04/24/2026

Tick populations are booming in the U.S., including in cities—bringing with them tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Here's what's behind the rise and how to keep safe: https://on.natgeo.com/cJZXTV

04/22/2026

Train your pets to stay away from wildlife.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Harford County Health Department received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a fox submitted by Harford County tested positive for the rabies virus.

Although this fox was found near the 1600 block of Dulaney Drive in Jarrettsville, Maryland, it may have exposed other persons and pets in the surrounding area. Witnessing a fox is not cause for alarm, but if you or your pets have had contact with a fox in this area, please contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow-up.

This office would like to remind the citizens of Harford County of the following ways to protect themselves and their pets:
1) Always keep pets leashed when out for walks and closely monitored in your backyard.
2) All cats, dogs and ferrets should remain up to date on their rabies vaccinations through their vet office or local rabies vaccination clinic.
3) Cover trash cans and do not leave pet food outside.
4) Avoid feeding, petting or interacting with wildlife in any way.
5) Notify Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if you observe a stray animal showing abnormal behaviors such as excessive affection, aggression, lethargy or disorientation.

04/22/2026

April is Lyme disease prevention month! Ticks are out and about so you and your pets are at risk.

04/17/2026

Identify signs of stress/fear (yawning, licking lips, avoiding eye contact) and remove the dog from situation

04/16/2026

Secure Pets: Keep dogs secured in a separate room or behind a gate during deliveries.

04/15/2026

Ask an owner for permission before petting a dog, and let the dog sniff a closed hand first. Avoid eye contact with unknown dogs.

04/14/2026

Respect Space: Allow dogs to eat and sleep undisturbed. Do not approach a dog that is chewing a toy or tethered.

04/13/2026

Never leave babies or young children alone with a dog. Teach kids not to run past dogs, pull ears/tails, or hug strange dogs.

04/12/2026

Dog Bite Prevention Week. Everyday I'll post a tip to keep everyone safe.

Any dog can bite. It’s not a dog's breed that determines whether it will bite, but rather the dog's individual history and behavior. Learn how to prevent dog bites, and what to do when a dog does bite.

04/06/2026

A cat found in the Dover Road area of Reisterstown tested positive for rabies on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Baltimore County Animal Services (BCAS) has identified one potential human exposure. Anyone who may have had contact with this animal, described as a domestic shorthair Tortoiseshell cat, is urged to seek immediate medical attention from their healthcare provider or a hospital emergency room.

In addition to seeking immediate medical addition, residents should contact the Baltimore County Department of Health if you or your pet came into direct contact with the cat and sustained bites, scratches and/or licks. The number to call during normal business hours is 410-887-5963. You should call 410-832-7182 outside of normal business hours (after 4:30 pm Monday - Friday and on weekends).

Residents are reminded of the potential dangers of feeding or handling stray or unknown animals and should adhere to the following rabies prevention tips:

• Consider the risk of rabies and other diseases before taking in or interacting with any animal, especially if the home contains children, persons with certain illnesses, elderly, or other pets.
• Since rabies remains uncontrolled in the wild, avoid contact with wildlife as well as stray or feral animals, especially if they appear to be sick. There is no risk-free contact with these animals with regard to physical injury, rabies and other diseases.
• Do not provide food, water or shelter to wildlife or strays. If you feed your pets outdoors, do not leave food or water bowls out for extended periods, especially overnight.
• Persons considering adopting stray or feral cats should speak with a veterinarian for guidance. Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets and do not allow your pets to roam freely.

Our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Program requires caregivers to maintain colonies where all cats are sterilized, vaccinated against Rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped and microchipped. Having community cats up-to-date on rabies vaccines helps to further protect public health. We also offer FREE rabies vaccine boosters for TNR’d cats. More about our TNR program: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/TNR

BCAS is hosting low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this spring. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services/rabies-clinics

03/30/2026

Spring has Sprung! Lilies are showing up in gardens, nurseries and bouquets.

03/27/2026

Tomorrow is my first pet first class of the year. You can still sign up to attend by scanning the QR code or going to the website.