March 30, 2009

Catawba County Animal Services will begin a new series of rabies vaccination clinics on Saturday April 11, 2009. This year, all clinics will be held on Saturdays and spread over more of the year in hopes of making clinics convenient for more citizens. The Catawba County Animal Shelter is also now providing one year rabies vaccinations to pet owners year round, by appointment.

"North Carolina law states that, in all counties where a campaign of vaccination such as our 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 $50 fine if they do not have pets vaccinated. Tags showing proof of the vaccination of dogs must be placed on the dog’s collar. Cat owners must be able to show proof of a current vaccination.”

Rabies is a very dangerous disease that infects only mammals and is spread by infected animals through bites, saliva or cerebral spinal fluid. While it is mainly carried by wild animals, any pets that aren’t vaccinated are at great risk if 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 clinics.

All pets brought to these clinics will receive a one-year rabies vaccination.

Here is the schedule for the clinics, all on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. except where noted:

April 11- Maiden Town Hall, 113 West Main St., Maiden

April 25- During “Bark in the Park”, at Southside Park off Highway 321 in South Newton, 8 a.m.- 12 Noon

May 9- Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue Base, 4011 Slanting Bridge Road

June 13- Riverbend Dog Park, at Riverbend Park off Highway 16 at the Catawba-Alexander County line

July 11- American Legion Fairgrounds, off Highway 70 between Hickory and Conover

August 8- Catawba Fire Department, 108 North Main Street, Catawba

September 12- Banoak Elementary School, 7651 Highway 10 West, Vale

“The October schedule is being finalized at this time,” Blatche said. “For those who do not find a convenient clinic, the one year rabies vaccinations are also available at the Animal Shelter Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Please call the Shelter to make an appointment. The Animal Shelter will also be providing micro chipping for pets beginning in August 2009. Micro chipping is one of the most effective ways of ensuring your pet is returned home if lost or brought to the shelter.”

A brochure is available that 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 828-465-8228.