Six Fairfield dogs are in quarantine after they had a deadly encounter with a rabid raccoon last week.

"They got the appropriate booster shots for the dogs, and they have since been quarantined. A 45-day at home quarantine,” said Sgt. Michael Stahl, the public information officer for the Fairfield Police Department.

The dogs were in their fenced backyard last Wednesday when they came in contact with the raccoon and killed it.

"Fight ensued between the dogs and the raccoon and turns out that raccoon was in fact carrying the rabies disease,” said Stahl.

If the dogs hadn’t been properly vaccinated prior, Stahl said it would be a very different story.

"That would have been a six-month off-site quarantine, which is at the expense of the pet owner,” said Stahl.

It's the first raccoon to test positive in Fairfield in several years, but this doesn't mean it's the only one.

"We live in an environment where there are wild animals and we're not going to be able to avoid animals that may or may not have rabies,” said Stahl.

Police are recommending that pet owners make sure garbage bins are securely closed at all times, as wildlife – especially raccoons – are attracted to them. Bungee cords, rope or even heavy rocks can help ensure critters aren’t getting into the trash.

Stahl said pet owners should also make sure their furry friends are up to date on all their health and wellness needs.

"Properly licensed, vaccinated and that's really what we're looking for to ensure that your animals are safe,” said Stahl.

If you believe your pet has been exposed to rabies, contact your local animal hospital.

The Fairfield animal shelter will hold a rabies vaccination clinic on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.