ARLINGTON ANIMAL SERVICES- FIELD DIVISION
AAS Celebrates World Rabies Day !
World Rabies Day is celebrated on September 28 and dedicated to raising awareness about the world ' s deadliest infectious disease . It is important to understand how rabies impacts our community as it is still present in the state of Texas . What can you do to protect yourself and pets against rabies ? It ' s simple . Ensure your pets stay up to date on their rabies vaccinations . Also , Let Wildlife be Wild . Do not approach or touch wildlife . It is always best to contact Animal Services , especially when you see wildlife behaving strangely ( typically nocturnal animals out in the daytime , or any that appear to be sick , etc .).
Preventing animals from becoming accustomed to people is the first step in reducing human / wildlife interaction . Remember , Let Wildlife be Wild !
Meet the Team !
Did you know ? Rabies is an illness that affects the brain of mammals .
Rabies disease typically makes animals act strange . For example- wildlife that doesn ' t mind being around people , aggressive animals , or an animal that is having trouble walking or flying ( bats ).
The top five carriers of rabies disease in Texas are : Foxes , Coyotes , Bats , Racoons , & Skunks
Officer Crystal Steinborn
Bite Investigator with Arlington Animal Services
Officer Steinborn has been with Arlington Animal Services since 2016 . You may recognize her from previous roles in the shelter , or as the former TNR Coordinator . Her experience at AAS includes field experience , customer services agent , kennels , and TNR Coordinator , making her one of the most " well-rounded " officers we have . Now as a Code Compliance Officer II , she has taken on the role of Bite Investigator for the City of Arlington and has important reminders to help keep you and your family safe from bites .
1 . NEVER feed or touch wildlife !
2 . Do not touch animals you do not know . This is important to teach our kids and youth . Whether they are stray or on a leash , you don ' t know how the animal will respond . 3 . Always ask permission before petting someone else ' s pet . 4 . Keep your pets , dogs and cats , up to date on vaccinations . This protects not only your pets , but you as well because you never know what they may come into contact with while outside .
5 . Rabies is spread through saliva , which is why we also quarantine for scratches . Animals lick their paws and if they scratch and draw blood , diseases , like rabies , can be spread .