BAKER — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society are offering a rabies vaccination clinic.
Cost is $5 per vaccination, and microchips will also be available for $15. The clinic is 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at Baker Community Center, 5503 US Highway 4. All animals must be on a leash or in a pet carrier.
For more information on this $5 rabies vaccination event, visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com or call 689-7859.
“A special thank you to PAWS and their veterinarians for partnering with us,” stated Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director.
“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 2014, DOH-Okaloosa investigated 892 domestic animal (dogs or cats) bites or scratches to other domestic animals or humans. Of those investigated, only 50 percent 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.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Low-cost rabies vaccinations planned in Baker