The Fayette Humane Society will hold its first rabies vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats this year on Saturday, April 9, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
No appointments will be needed, as pets will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old in order to receive their rabies vaccination, microchipping can be done at any age. The cost for a rabies vaccination will be $10, $30 for a microchip. A rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for all dogs and cats. The vaccine provides protection from this fatal disease. Vaccination also will provide proof that a pet is not able to transmit the disease. This avoids the quarantine often instituted to ensure the pet is not infected after a biting incident.
“There are incidences of pet animal as well as human rabies infections and even deaths around the country every year,” said Dr. Lee Schrader, Fayette Humane Society Executive Director. “A vaccination is an easy and safe way to protect your pet from this deadly infection, and to insure your peace of mind that your pet could not be involved in spreading this disease.” Because rabies is spreading into Ohio, mostly by way of wild animals such as bats and skunks, it is critical that pets are protected. The initial rabies vaccination is given at 4 months of age, then at 1 year and repeated yearly.
Microchips provide permanent, lifelong identification for a pet. “We know that lost dogs have over double the chance of being returned to their owners when they are microchipped,” said Dr. Schrader. “With cats the numbers are even better – a 400 percent increase in the return of lost cats who are microchipped.” Danyel Bageant, humane officer, said, “We check all lost animals for the presence of a microchip. We know that microchips work and we hope everyone will consider this permanent and safe method to give their pet the best chance to return home if lost.”
“Offering the microchip and rabies clinic will allow us to support our mission and promote responsible pet ownership,” said Brad Adams, humane officer and outreach director. “This is also another way of introducing pet owners to our humane society and raising funds for the animals in our care. Depending on how many people bring their pets will determine if we continue this important service on a regular basis.”
The clinic will be held at the Fayette Humane Society Adoption and Business Center at 153 S. Main St. Suite 3. Please be sure to bring all cats in carriers and have all dogs on non-retractable leashes. Proof of vaccination will be supplied. For questions, please call the humane society at 740-335-8126.
This story was submitted by the Fayette Humane Society.
