On July 6^th, 1885, Louis Pasteur administered the first rabies vaccine in a person marking an important point in public health.

Animals can sometimes carry harmful germs that can spread to people and cause illness- these are known as zoonotic diseases. Thankfully there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from these diseases:

For more info you can visit the website below for more info!

https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html

Get a Dog License and Vaccinations for Your Pets

All dogs and cats owned by residents who live in the unincorporated areas of Sedgwick County must be vaccinated and dogs must wear a tag indicating compliance with the county's animal code.  Residents can obtain a dog license in one of three ways listed below.

1. Obtaining a Sedgwick County Dog License from a Veterinarian

A. Complete the information below on the Sedgwick County dog license form at the veterinarian’s office.

                                (1) The dog's physical description;

                             (2) The date that the rabies vaccination was given as it appears on the vaccination certificate;

                                (3) The metallic vaccination tag number;

                                (4) The owner's name, address and telephone number;

B. Your veterinarian can take the payment for your dog’s license and send your information to Sedgwick County Animal Control to be processed.

OR

C. Your veterinarian may choose to send the license home with you. If you receive the license, mail a copy of the provided license form and appropriate payment amount to:

                Sedgwick County Animal Control

                1015 W. Stillwell

                Wichita, KS 67213

2. Obtaining a Sedgwick County Dog License from Sedgwick County Animal Control

A. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out the form online or you will have to print and mail in to the address       below. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can click on the link below.

                Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Here!!!!

B. Click the link below to the online Sedgwick County Animal Control Dog License Application Form and follow the provided directions.

Fillable Dog License Application Form!!!

If you mail payment, make the check or money order payable to S.C.A.C.

Sedgwick County Animal Control also accepts payment via debit and credit card (through phone call or in-person only).

If you are not able to submit the form online or through the mail you can contact Sedgwick County Animal Control directly for more assistance at (316) 660-7070 or you can reach us by email at animalcontrol@sedgwick.gov.       

3. Licensing of dogs previously determined, declared or adjudged dangerous or vicious.

 The owner of any dog which has previously been determined, declared, or adjudged dangerous or vicious by the director or by any other authorized person in another jurisdiction as provided in section 5-162 of the Sedgwick County code shall be required to obtain the animal's license directly from Animal Control (USING THE FILLABLE DOG LICENSE APPLICATION ABOVE) and cannot purchase a license from a veterinarian. In addition, the owner shall be required to provide at the time of making application for such license either:

                (1) Proof of homeowner's, renter's or other insurance acknowledging the ownership of a dangerous or vicious animal and demonstrating that such animal's subsequent acts are insured by such policy and with such policy listing the Sedgwick County Animal Control Department as an entity to be notified ten (10) days in advance if the policy is cancelled for any reason; or

                (2) A surety bond in the amount of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) written to cover any acts of such animal, which bond shall list the Sedgwick County Animal Control Department as an entity to be notified ten (10) days in advance if the surety bond is cancelled for any reason.

(Either of these documents must be emailed to Animal Control or seen in person by an Officer/Supervisor prior to approval of the license application)

Sedgwick County Dog License Fees

(ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS REFENCED FROM SEDGWICK COUNTY CODE OF ORDINACES IN CHAPTER 5 ARTICLE III.)

Rabies in Sedgwick County

In the Midwest, skunks and bats are the main sources and the most common animal species positive for rabies. Domestic pets and livestock can be infected from exposure to these wildlife sources of rabies.

The risk of exposure to rabies is real, but the disease is preventable in both humans and domestic animals. Rabies prevention consists of vaccinating domestic animals, education of humans to avoid exposures, and providing exposed persons with prompt post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. Vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle and sheep through your local veterinarian.

Rabies: Facts and Details

What is rabies?

Rabies is a contagious disease found in mammals caused by the rabies virus.

How common is rabies?

Many wild and domestic mammals can have rabies. Skunks and bats are the most common animals to have rabies in Kansas. Rabbits, mice, rats, squirrels, opossums, and chipmunks are rarely infected, and their bites rarely call for treatment.

Human rabies cases are rare in the United States. The last human rabies case in Kansas was in 1968.

How do people become infected?

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. In rare cases, people can get rabies through a non-bite exposure (e.g., scratch) or by coming into contact with infectious material from a rabid animal (e.g., saliva getting into eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound). Petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine, or feces (poop) of a rabid animal is not considered exposure.

What are the signs and symptoms of rabies in humans?

Once someone with rabies begins experiencing these symptoms, they usually do not survive. For this reason, contact a healthcare provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal. The first symptoms include fever or headache. This quickly changes to nervous system symptoms, such as inability to sleep, uneasiness, confusion, slight or partial loss of muscle function, hallucinations (seeing things that are not real), agitation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water.

How long can rabies be spread?

After exposure, symptoms may show in several weeks or up to years (average one to three months). Both humans and animals are contagious as soon as they show symptoms until their death.

How is rabies treated?

There is no treatment for rabies. Exposed people can receive “post-exposure prophylaxis” which is a series of one dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine over a 14 day period.

How can you prevent rabies?

The best way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate pets. Sedgwick County ordinances require all dogs, cats, and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations, it is also highly recommended that livestock is also vaccinated for rabies. This protects your pets and also protects you. Other steps to prevent illness include:

• Supervise your pets to avoid contact with wild animals.

Contact Sedgwick County Animal Control if:

• You or your pet is bitten by a stray or wild animal, and report the bite to your local animal control department immediately.
• There are stray animals running loose in your neighbor-hood.
• If you live within the City of Wichita, contact Wichita Animal Services at 316-350-3360.
• If you live outside Wichita in Sedgwick County, contact Sedgwick County Animal Control at 316-660-7070.
• Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals.
• Teach children not to handle or pet unfamiliar animals wild or domesticated, even if they appear friendly.
• If you wake up and a bat is present inside your home, even if there is no evidence of a bite or scratch, seek medical attention.

Contact Animal Control

Report an Animal Issue

Animal Control varies by where you live. Check the chart below to identify whom to contact for animal issues. If you live outside a city limit or in an area of Sedgwick County not listed below, Sedgwick County Animal Control can help you find the correct resource (email animalcontrol@sedgwick.gov or call 316-660-7070).

Adrienne Byrne, MS
Director

p: 316.660.7070
Toll Free: 800.527.0709
f: 316.383.7553
EMERGENCY: 9-1-1

1015 W. Stillwell
Wichita, KS 67213

Email Animal Control

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Call 9-1-1 for emergency response outside of office hours.

OFFICERS( LISTED LEFT TO RIGHT):  OFFICER MITCHELL WAEGENER,  SENIOR OFFICER EARL JONES, OFFICER JAMIE TYSON, OFFICER DINA INGRAM,  SUPERVISOR NIKA OREBAUGH AND OFFICER CHRIS ANDREWS.

Pet Care

Dog and Cat Breeds

While breeds don't necessarily make the dog or cat, they can tell us a lot about what to expect in appearance, behavior and other characteristics. It's important to do a little research before you adopt a new pet into your family.

Research Dog Breeds

Research Cat Breeds

Caring for Your Pet

Vaccinations and Licenses

These are a must-have to keep your pet healthy and in compliance with Sedgwick County code.

Watch the Weather

Animals often are more resilient to changing weather, but extreme weather affects them as much as it affects their owners.

When temperatures rise:

·         Bring your pets inside – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets, especially pets with thick fur. Just imagine wearing a fur coat during the summer – uncomfortable and dangerous!

·         Provide plenty of fresh water – if you wouldn’t drink it, your pets shouldn’t either.

·         Make sure your pets have access to a shaded area and limit their time spent outdoors.

When temperatures fall:

·         Bring your pets inside – even animals with thick coats can freeze in cold weather. If your pet is shivering, it’s too cold for him/her.

·         A dog house should be insulated, adequate bedding provided, and the opening should face south to avoid the cold northern winds blowing inside.

·         Make sure your pet’s water isn’t frozen.

Fences, Houses and Chains

Animals need room to roam and a safe place to sleep. Do your fences, houses and chains meet these guidelines?

Fences

·         Dogs must remain on leashes or in fenced yards when outdoors.

·         Dogs should not be able to jump over fences or squeeze through openings.

Houses

·         Insulated houses, especially in the winter, are important for your dog.

·         Splinters, jagged edges, exposed nails and holes should be repaired.

·         Bedding should be washed regularly and kept dry.

·         Place the house in a shaded area in the summer and point the opening so the wind does not blow in (usually south) in the winter.

Chains

·         Only use chains, ropes or other materials to "tie up" your pet temporarily and when you are nearby. Do not tie up your dog (or any pet) as a permanent means of detainment.

·         Allow 10 or more feet in chain or rope to let your dog move around easily.

·         Make sure the chain or rope is an appropriate size – if it’s too heavy, it can harm your pet.

·         Make sure your dog can’t get caught on a fence, deck or other obstruction that might cause harm.

·         Make sure your dog can reach shade, water and protection from the weather.

Get more tips about caring for pets, including food, exercise, grooming, pet supplies and training.

Animal Control Advisory Board

Animal Control Advisory Board

This board works diligently in cooperation with Sedgwick County Animal Control to recommend updates and changes to the Sedgwick County code that reflect the current interests and values of its citizens.  The advisory board is comprised of animal advocates living within Sedgwick County and meets regularly in an effort to stay up-to-date with Animal Control’s operations and progress in the community.  Board members are expected to stay apprised of animal-related issues in their area and work to advocate for their represented citizens so a cross-section of voices in Sedgwick County can be heard and their opinions considered in any changes to code or operations. 

Current Members

- Susan Erlenwein appointed by Pete Meitzner 
- Geri Watts appointed by Pete Meitzner 
- Linda Wiley appointed by Michael O'Donnell 
- Laura Adkins appointed by Michael O'Donnell
- Debra Jo Miller appointed by David Dennis
- Shelley Seidl appointed by David Dennis
- Dr. Julie Evans appointed by Lacey Cruse 
- Shanti Leiker appointed by Jim Howell
- Simone Ward appointed by Jim Howell

Regularly scheduled Advisory Board meetings are held the second Thursday of every month from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m. and are open to public attendance.  Meetings may be cancelled or dates changed as deemed necessary by the board.  Please monitor this site for upcoming dates and agendas and WebEx participation directions as COVID-19 restrictions are in place due to size of available meeting rooms.   

2020 Meetings

·         January 9, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

·         March 12, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

·         June 11, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

·         July 9, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

·         August 13, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

·         September 10, 2020 - Agenda/Minutes

2019 Meetings

·         September 12, 2019 - Agenda/Minutes

·         November 14, 2019 - Agenda/Minutes