County of Wake issued the following announcement on Sept. 25.
To help keep pets and their owners protected from rabies, the Wake County Animal Center is hosting a low-cost rabies clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 28, World Rabies Day, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Families with dogs or cats are invited to the Wake County Commons Building parking lot, located at 4011 Carya Drive in Raleigh.
“This event is a great option for anyone who may not be able to afford or doesn't have time to schedule a rabies shot at their veterinarian’s office,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “With proper vaccination, rabies is 100% preventable, and we encourage all pet owners to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their furry friends.”
One-year and three-year rabies vaccines will be available for $5 per pet. To receive a three-year vaccine, pet owners must show a prior vaccination certificate at the event (a rabies tag cannot serve as proof). Without paperwork showing prior rabies shots, pets will only receive a one-year rabies dose. Cats and dogs need to be at least three months old to receive rabies shots. Quantities are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis.
Cash is the only method of payment accepted at this time. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in a carrier. Administering the shot only takes a few minutes, but in case of a large turnout, please be patient and bring water for yourself and your pets should you have to wait.
Wake County Health & Human Services will also be offering low-cost resources and programs at the event to help keep the entire family healthy. They’ll have a supply of free, at-home COVID-19 tests, information about protecting your family from rabies, and other health services information.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can infect both animals and humans. If an exposed person or animal is not treated quickly, the virus is fatal. Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In North Carolina, rabies is mostly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
“Thankfully in the United States, due to successful animal control and vaccination programs, rabies deaths are very rare,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “Keeping our pets vaccinated is the best way to prevent rabies from resurfacing or getting it from wildlife. We all have the tools and expertise to achieve the goal of zero deaths.”
Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife and seeking medical care after potential exposures before the onset of symptoms.
World Rabies Day is the biggest event on the global rabies calendar. This year’s theme is “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths,” reminding and highlighting that rabies elimination is possible if we all work together.
Original source can be found here.
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