JC Animal Shelter to hold Rabies and Microchip Clinic

 

The Jackson County Animal Shelter will be hosting a “Rabies and Microchip Clinic” on Sunday, March 8, from 1 - 4 p.m.  The clinic is offering $5 rabies prevention shots, $10 identification microchips, and free professional information to all owners about pet wellness.

 

“This is a convenient opportunity for pet owners to keep their animals safe and healthy at an affordable cost,” Bill Richman, Shelter Director, said.

 

This is the first time the County’s Animal Shelter has hosted a clinic on rabies or ID microchips. To participate, animals must be at least three months old to a receive rabies shot or an ID microchip.  Cats must be in a pet carrier and dogs must be on a short leash.

 

Rabies shots are required by state law for all pets. Local veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Hudson will be on hand to oversee all rabies shots. The low cost $5 rabies shots are being made possible because of a donation from the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. This prevention shot usually costs $15 to $30 at other locations. 

 

The Gulf Coast Chapter of the SPCA is providing the ID microchips at a discounted cost just for this clinic. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the animal’s skin.  The chip is used to identify the pet’s owner when it is scanned by almost any veterinary office or animal shelter.
 

“The microchip is optional of course, but any pet lover who has lost or found their animal knows how valuable this identification technology can be. Ten dollars is a great price for the peace of mind this chip offers pet owners,” Barbara McKenzie, Gulf Coast SPCA Director, explains.

 

This is the third major event the SPCA has helped sponsor or host with the County’s Animal Shelter in the last year.  All proceeds from this clinic will be donated to the Animal Shelter.

 

The Animal Shelter is located off Hwy. 90 in Gautier next to the County’s soccer complex. The Shelter is operated by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and averages 94 pet adoptions each month. For more information about pet adoptions call 228-497-6350.

 

 

 

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