Never touch a bat: What you need to know about bats and rabies

July 30, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies. If you see a bat, don’t touch it! Bats lying on the ground, flying during daytime, making a lot of noise, or otherwise acting sick are more likely to have rabies.

How to choose a pet care facility

March 18, 2025.Reading time 8 minutes.

We love our pets here in King County. With some of the highest pet ownership rates in the country, it’s clear our furry (and not-so-furry) companions are a big part of our lives. Whether you’re booking a grooming day for your pup or boarding your pet while you’re away, you want to feel confident they’ll be safe, happy, and healthy while in someone else’s care.

BAT POSITIVE FOR RABIES FOUND IN KING COUNTY

May 10, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

As the weather warms up in King County, bats come out of hibernation, which means a big increase in human-bat interactions compared to other times of year.  Bats that are infected with rabies can spread the infection to humans who have bare skin contact with  bats or bat saliva. 

When treats become toxic: the Washington Poison Center’s role in preventing and reducing harm from cannabis use

March 29, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

The Washington Poison Center partnered with the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and Washington Cannabis Alliance to develop a warning sign and communications strategy to protect kids from accidental ingestion.

Creative health permit process gives paws, not pause

April 12, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Our friends at the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) deserve a treat – they’ve helped increase the pet adoption rate in King County by 20 percent in a single year. RASKC attributes some of this success to the several cat cafés located in our area. But, these cat cafes raised some questions for […]

Do it for your furry buddy: Emergency preparedness and pets

September 28, 2017.Reading time 8 minutes.

We get it. You’re busy, and getting ready for a disaster is not at the top of your priorities. But pet-owners, just take a look at those big trusting eyes of your furry (or scaly or feathered) friends and think about doing it for them. Recent disasters in the U.S. show that people will endanger […]