Community

Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Dogs, Cats Begin July 1 in Ohio County

The Ohio County Animal Shelter has announced that, once again this summer, it will offer its annual rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats.

This year's clinics begin July 1 and run through July 11 at various locations across the county. Wendy Neubauer, shelter manager, said rabies vaccinations are required by law for people's pets.

The shelter hosts the clinics to make getting their dog or cat a vaccination more convenient and affordable. The shots are $8 per animal. There is no residency requirement to attend a clinic.

"It's mandatory by law. Every animal must have a vaccine, and it's for their safety too," she said.

Neubauer said there is no cure for the disease, which is why the vaccinations are required. Wild animals, such as raccoons and bats, are known to be carriers of rabies.

"The vaccine is a three-year shot. If they don't know if their pet had it, it will be their one year and after that it will be a three-year shot," she noted.

Neubauer said dogs must be leashed and cats held in carriers while attending the clinic. The clinics will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the following dates:

– July 1, Madison Elementary School;

– July 2, Ritchie Elementary School;

– July 3, Warwood Elementary School;

– July 5, West Liberty Elementary School;

– July 8, Woodsdale Elementary School;

– July 9, Wheeling City-County Building;

– July 10, Valley Grove Community Center; and

– July 11, Bridge Street Middle School.

Neubauer estimated that the shelter's clinics have vaccinated between 500 and 600 pets annually. She thanked the local veterinarians for volunteering their time to vaccinate the pets. They include Drs. Debbie Shondrick, Karl Yurko and Pamela Harrold.