Santa Cruz Animal Shelter Encouraging Residents To Vaccinate Pets

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter officials are continuing to see an increase in cases of a contagious viral disease that is spread by coyotes and raccoons and that can infect pets if they are not vaccinated, officials announced on Tuesday.

The jump in local cases of the spread of distemper has been seen mostly on Santa Cruz’s west (cases also being reported in Seabright. Officials said the disease affects a wide variety of animals and there is no known cure for the disease at this time. The only way dogs can avoid being infected is through a vaccine, which is being offered through the county animal shelter.

• Dog vaccines are $10 with the renewal of the purchase of a dog license renewal ($29 for an altered pet and $100 for unaltered). Pet owners purchasing a dog license for the first time will receive a free rabies vaccination with the purchase of a license.
• Cat rabies vaccinations are $10
• Microchips are $15 for both dogs and cats (registration included)
• Distemper/Parvo (DA2pp) vaccines are $20