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Both dogs and cats are invited as the Ohio County Animal Shelter hosts rabies clinics at locations in early July.
The cost is $8 per animal, and local veterans Debby Shondrick, Pamela Harrold, and Karl Yurko will be providing the shots. The animals must be leashed or in carriers.
The clinics are open to all as there are no residency restrictions.
Additionally, representatives from the Ohio County Assessor's Office will be present at each clinic, if the weather permits, to assist pet owners with obtaining dog tags.
The rabies shots for dogs and cats only will be available from 5-7 p.m. on the announced dates at the following locations: July 5, Madison Elementary School; July 6, Ritchie Elementary School; July 7, Warwood Elementary School. July 10, West Liberty Elementary School; July 12, City-County Building; July 13, Valley Grove Community Center; and July 14, Bridge Street Middle School.
Nelson Croft, director of the Ohio County Animal Shelter, said it is actually the law to have your dog and cat immunized for rabies.
He quoted West Virginia State Code as stating the fine for having an unvaccinated dog or cat "cannot be less than $10, or more than $50," and that jail time for the offense could be "not less than 10 days, and not more than 60 days in the regional jail."
"It is very important to vaccinate your animals for rabies," Croft continued. "If a human is bitten and gets rabies, statistics say there is only a 5% chance of survival.
"At the last trainings we went to, they told us there has been an influx of rabies (in the region)."
There are both civil and humane reasons to vaccinate your pets, Croft added.
"Minus the criminal penalties, you should do what is right for your animals and neighbors," he said. "And you will have proof that they have had their shots."
Owners attending the clinics are responsible for cleaning up any mess from their pets.
The veterinarian and dog wardens also reserve the right to refuse to vaccinate any animal they deem to be aggressive or a danger to the community.