From Beaufort County Animal Control

Springtime means many things. Stepping outside this weekend will definitely let you know quickly about allergies. Spring also brings with it the responsibility to be certain your pets are vaccinated against rabies, a dangerous and lethal disease.

Veterinarians and Beaufort County Animal Control annually join forces to help residents protect their pets, and themselves, against rabies. This year, the event will be April 18. The clinic will be held at four different locations: Belhaven, Washington, Aurora and Chocowinity. Rabies vaccines will be offered at the discounted price of $7 (cash only). Vaccines administered to pets without an existing rabies certificate will be valid for one year only. Pets with existing rabies certificates will be given a vaccine valid for three years.

“Rabies is a serious threat to domestic and wild animals as well as to humans in Beaufort County,” said Officer Billy Lassiter, of Beaufort County Animal Control. “We live in a very rural county, exposing our pets to a daily threat of contact with wildlife and unvaccinated animals. It is so important for residents of Beaufort County to have their pets vaccinated.”

Current North Carolina law requires every pet cat, dog and ferret at least four months of age be vaccinated against rabies. The owner of an unvaccinated domestic pet may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and/or civil penalty.

 

April 18 Rabies Clinic Locations and Times

Belhaven: In front of Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Washington: Beaufort County Animal Shelter, 10:45 a.m. to noon

Aurora: Public Works, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Chocowinity: D & H Home and Garden, 10:45 a.m. to noon

Shots given through the clinics will be $7, cash only. If your pet has a current vaccine and you want to get at three-year shot, be sure to bring your active vaccine paperwork for verification. Three-year shots will not be given without proper verification. Please keep all pets on leashes. If your pets tend to be aggressive, please leave them in the vehicle or muzzle them for safety. For any questions regarding this year’s rabies vaccine clinic, contact Beaufort County Animal Control at 252-946-4517.