El Paso County Health is currently investigating reports of raccoons that have been brought into a local Petco store. This inquiry is essential for ensuring public safety and understanding the potential health risks associated with wildlife interactions.

Raccoons can carry various diseases, and it is crucial for community members to be aware of their presence in urban areas. If you have any information regarding these raccoons or have witnessed any unusual behavior, please contact El Paso County Health directly.

As a community-focused organization, Pet Rescue by Judy Blog encourages everyone to stay informed about local wildlife and how it may impact our pets and families. We also provide valuable resources on pet adoption, fostering, and volunteering opportunities in Central Florida.

For more information on pet-friendly places and tips for responsible pet ownership, continue to follow our blog. Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy environment for both our pets and the community.

What to Do If You Encounter a Raccoon Near Your Home or Pets

Stories like this one are a useful reminder that wild animals and pet spaces do not mix well, whether you live in Colorado or here in Central Florida. Raccoons are common in Seminole County neighbourhoods, drawn by pet food left outdoors, unsecured trash cans and garden ponds. Most keep their distance, but knowing how to respond keeps both people and animals safer.

Why public health agencies take raccoon contact seriously

Raccoons are one of the wildlife species most often associated with rabies in the United States, and Florida is within the region where raccoon rabies is a recognised concern. They can also carry raccoon roundworm, whose eggs are shed in droppings, as well as leptospirosis and other infections that can affect dogs. A raccoon can look healthy and still carry disease, which is why health departments want to trace any animal that has had close contact with people or pets.

Practical steps for pet owners

  • Keep vaccinations current. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs and cats in Florida, and it is your pet's best protection. Ask your vet whether a leptospirosis vaccine makes sense for your dog's lifestyle.
  • Feed pets indoors. Bowls left on a porch overnight are an open invitation.
  • Secure bins and compost with tight lids, and close off gaps under decks and sheds.
  • Supervise evening walks and yard time, especially around dusk when raccoons become active.

If contact happens

Never try to handle, feed or rehome a wild raccoon, even a seemingly orphaned baby. If you find one that appears sick, injured or unusually bold, keep children and pets away and contact your county animal services or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If a person is bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice promptly; if your pet tangles with a raccoon, call your veterinarian the same day and report the incident to your local health department.

Rescued dogs and cats deserve a safe start, which is one reason we encourage new families to prepare their homes and yards before bringing a pet home. If you are thinking about it, our adoption page and foster information are good places to begin.

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