March 28, 2008

In an effort to offer clinics at convenient times, the Catawba County Animal Care and Control Office will hold one Saturday clinic, on April 26, from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds. Other clinics will be held at various locations across the county beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from April 1 through April 23. Vaccinations will cost $7 each again this year.

"North Carolina law states that, in all counties where a campaign of vaccination such as our April clinics is being conducted, it is the duty of the owner of every dog and cat over four months of age to have them vaccinated for rabies," said Jay Blatche, Catawba County's Animal Services Manager. "Pet owners face a fine if they do not have pets vaccinated  Dogs must wear their tags, while cats are not required to wear their tag but the owner must be able provide the vaccination certificate.  The law also says that all rabies vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or a certified rabies vaccinator. Our clinics will be administered by a team of veterinarians practicing across the county."

Rabies is a very dangerous disease that infects only mammals and is spread by infected animals through bites or scratches. While it is mainly carried by wild animals, any pets that aren’t vaccinated are at great risk should they come in contact with an infected animal. Rabies is a virus which attacks the central nervous system and, if left untreated, it is always fatal. That's why it’s so important for pet owners across Catawba County to take advantage of these annual rabies vaccination clinics.

Pet owners should bring proof of when his or her pet last got a rabies shot to the clinic of their choice, or the pet will receive a one-year booster shot.

"This year’s schedule of clinics will bring at least one clinic close to every citizen in the county and the Saturday April 26 clinic will be centrally located at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds off Highway 70 between Hickory and Conover," Blatche said.

The following is the schedule for the clinics, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. except for the last clinic on April 26th:

Tuesday, April 1, 2008        Catawba County Animal Shelter
Wednesday, April 2, 2008    South Newton Elementary School
Thursday, April 3, 2008       Catawba Fire Department
Tuesday, April 8, 2008        Bandys High School
Wednesday, April 9, 2008    Clyde Campbell Elementary School
Thursday, April 10, 2008     Banoak Elementary School
Tuesday, April 15, 2008      Maiden Town Hall
Wednesday, April 16, 2008  Catawba County Animal Shelter
Thursday, April 17, 2008     Conover Post Office
Tuesday, April 22, 2008      Catawba County Animal Shelter
Wednesday, April 23, 2008  Caldwell T.V. and Appliance, 1225 33rd Street SW, Hickory

Saturday, April 26, 2008  10 a.m.-12 Noon      Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds,

                                                                Highway 70 SE between Hickory & Conover

A brochure is available which also lists the clinic schedule and other details. You may request a copy, or specific information about the clinics, by calling the Catawba County Animal Shelter at 828-464-7686.