BAKER — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society are partnering to offer $5 rabies vaccinations.
The clinic — set for 1-4 p.m. May 19 — is at the Baker Community Center, 5503 US Highway 4. Microchips will also be available for $15. All animals must be on a leash or in a pet carrier.
“A special thank you to PAWS and their veterinarians for partnering with us,” stated Dr. Karen A. Chapman, Director of DOH-Okaloosa. “This is a community effort to bring pet owners into compliance with the law, while providing protection against a deadly disease that continues to cause public health concerns.”
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but not cured. The virus attacks the brain of warm-blooded animals, including people. Even if you consider your dog, cat, or ferret to be an indoor pet, it is important that your pet receive a rabies vaccination.
In 2015, DOH-Okaloosa investigated 1,000 domestic animal (dogs or cats) bites or scratches to other domestic animals or humans. Of those investigated, approximately half were current on their rabies vaccination. The only acceptable proof of vaccination for an animal bite investigation is documentation of the vaccination from a licensed veterinarian.
For more information, visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com or call 689-7859.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Low-cost rabies vaccination clinic is May 19 in Baker