Animal Hospital by the Sea

08/04/2026

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Island County

A bat found inside a local home recently tested positive for rabies. The family took the right steps by coordinating with public health to test the animal, and they are currently receiving proper care.

Late summer is a peak time for bat activity. While local bats are highly beneficial to our ecosystem, they are the primary carriers of rabies in Washington state.

Please keep your family and pets safe by following these protocols:

- Do Not Touch Bats: Never handle a bat with bare hands. Teach children not to touch bats or other wild animals.
- Report Encounters: If you find a bat in your home contact Island County Public Health and your healthcare provider. Public health can help determine if an exposure occurred. Do not release the bat, as it may need to be tested.
- Bat-Proof Your Home: Inspect your home for small gaps or holes, and ensure window screens are secure. If bats are present contact a bat exclusion professional.
- Vaccinate Pets: Keep your dogs, cats, and ferrets fully up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Follow Up on Bites: If bitten by a bat or other animal, wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact your healthcare provider and Island County Public Health immediately.

For safe capture instructions or more information, please visit: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/624/Zoonotics-and-Rabies.

Please note that Island County Public Health does not provide wildlife exclusion or relocation services. We are working to connect the community member with available options.

State rabies guidelines are also available at the WA DOH website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/rabies.

08/04/2026

from another community site:
A bat found in a home in FREELAND is reported to have just tested positive for RABIES.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE WITH VACCINATIONS, and BE CAREFUL WHEN COMING IN TO CONTACT WITH OUR LOCAL BATS.

08/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18aRJsMKRu/

REUNITED! Found animal report: Name on tag is Winston and was found in the Goss Lake area. If this is your dog, please contact WAIF for the finder’s information. At this time, Winston is currently NOT at WAIF.

07/08/2026

REUNITED WITH OWNER AND SAFE!
One of our clients saw but could not catch this dog...about 40 minutes ago. Husky found at intersection of Maxwelton and Winona (pvt road). 4:40pm on the 7th

06/26/2026

Found just now by Sandy Point in Langley…likely headed to Critters or WAIF. He’s safe! No microchip found. 🥰

06/24/2026

Traveling with pets this summer? What you should know:

Washington State has implemented a temporary emergency rule to help prevent the introduction of New World Screwworm (NWS), a dangerous parasite that can affect pets, livestock, wildlife, and even humans.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Washington from states with active NWS infestation zones must now have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 5 days prior to entry. Animals originating from or traveling through countries with confirmed active NWS outbreaks are prohibited from entering the state.

These temporary measures are designed to protect Washington’s animals, agriculture, and communities from a serious animal health threat.

Learn more at agr.wa.gov/nws.

06/24/2026