Health Officers are appointed by the state commissioner of health, often on the recommendation of the Selectboard. Town Health Officers are responsible to investigate complaints and abate any existing and/or potential public health hazards as outlined in the Town Health Officers Environmental Health Handbook. Duties include, but are not limited to, handling animal bites, investigate failed septic systems, and any other potential public health hazard.
A reminder to all pet owners, all cats, dogs, and ferrets in Vermont must receive regular rabies shots. Owners of all domestic dogs and wolf-hybrids more than 6 months old must also license their animal at the Town Clerk’s office.
How can you help prevent rabies in your pet and yourself?
- Do not touch or pick up unfamiliar or wild animals – even baby animals – or try to feed them or make them into pets. Report unknown or strangely behaving animals to your town's animal control officer. If the animal is wild, contact the Rabies Hotline or a Game Warden (link is external). https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/WardenLookup.aspx
- Make sure trash cans and recycling bins are tightly closed, and do not leave pet food outside. Feed pets inside the house and keep pets indoors at night. If they are out during the day, keep them on a leash or within a closed space. Pets that roam free are more likely to be exposed to a rabid animal. Make sure that all family pets get rabies shots and keep shots up to date. Animals can be vaccinated by a veterinarian or at a rabies clinic.
What to do if an animal bites you or your pet?
- Contact your doctor and Town Health Officer and follow their instructions.
- Wash the bite wound very well with soap and running water.
- Try to capture the animal only if you can do it without getting bitten again. You are more likely to need rabies shots if the animal cannot be found. If the animal is wild, contact the Rabies Hotline or a Game Warden (link is external).
Call your veterinarian if you believe your pet was exposed to a potentially rabid animal; they will be able to decide if your pet is at risk for rabies and tell you what steps to follow next. For more information on rabies exposure, visit the CDC web site at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/index.html
You can find up-to-date advisories, and resources, by visiting Vermont Department of Public Health Department’s web site at http://healthvermont.gov/
The Town Health Officer no longer is the lead for rental housing. For any rental housing issues after December 31,2023 The division of Fire Safety will be servicing the community. Please click on the link below and fill in the Complaint to get the process started.
https://firesafety.vermont.gov/complaint%20process
For local questions or concerns you may contact Health Officer: Mark Snow at (802) 451-6842, Email: msnow62@comcast.net