Miami-Dade County Animal Services kicks off Heartworm Awareness Month

As Heartworm Awareness Month kicks off, Miami-Dade County Animal Services (Animal Services) is dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of heartworm prevention and treatment for pets in our community.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets. While preventable, heartworm disease poses a significant health risk to dogs and cats, especially in warm and humid climates like Miami.

To combat this threat, Animal Services emphasizes the importance of year-round heartworm prevention through monthly medications prescribed by veterinarians. These preventative measures not only protect pets from heartworm infection but also safeguard their overall health and well-being. 

Furthermore, Animal Services is proud to announce its monthly mass heartworm treatment program for dogs in our care who have contracted heartworm disease. This initiative ensures that every dog receives timely and comprehensive treatment to manage their condition and improve their chances of recovery.

“Our primary goal at Animal Services is to ensure the health and well-being of every animal under our care,” said Annette Jose, Animal Services Director. “Through our ongoing efforts in heartworm prevention and treatment, we strive to provide the best possible care for pets in need and to promote responsible pet ownership within our community.”

Animal Services encourages pet owners to stay informed about potential hazards and take proactive steps to protect their pets’ health and safety year-round.

For more information on heartworm prevention and treatment, pet owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarians.

About Miami-Dade County Animal Services 
Every year Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) takes in approximately 30,000 to 36,000 lost, abandoned, injured, ill, or abused dogs and cats. Every day, Animal Services staff works diligently to find life-long homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting offsite adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working collaboratively with rescue organizations, volunteers, and adoption partners.