Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county’s 13th rabies case of 2025. On September 12th, a resident called Animal Services regarding a skunk that was found inside the fenced area with the family dog the night before...
on the 3000 block of Plateau Road. The homeowner dispatched the skunk and Animal Services submitted the specimen to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing on September 15. There was no exposure to humans and domestic animal exposure was uncertain. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination; therefore, a booster dose was administered in the event exposure did occur.
On Wednesday, September 17, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the skunk. This press release will be posted on the county’s website, https://www.lincolncountync.gov/, shared on county social media outlets and a public notification message was sent to properties within the area. To keep up to date with county notifications, sign up at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/login.action?pa=lincolncountync.
We are currently working with Dr. Carl Williams, State Public Health Veterinarian, and team for data analysis of the current and historical case status of rabies incidence in Lincoln County. We are encouraging all residents to review the vaccination status of their applicable pets and to locate the appropriate documents for confirmation of vaccination status.
We recommend for all pet owners to ensure their indoor pets, outdoor pets, ferrets and livestock 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 (felines and canines only). 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 vaccinations:
Lincoln County Animal Services (LCAS) will be providing free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats through Friday, October 3. Walk ins are welcome Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday appointments can be made on the LCAS website or by calling (704) 736-4125 (no vaccinations on Sundays).
Lincoln County Animal Services will also be hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 4th, while supplies last. The event will start at 9 a.m. and is available to Lincoln County residents only. The event will be held at the Lincoln County Health Department located at 200 Gamble Drive, Lincolnton.
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/