Three local veterinary clinics are offering $30 rabies vaccinations this Saturday
Rabies is one of those diseases you don't want to think about, but it's something pet owners should take seriously. Southwestern Public Health says there have already been more than 170 bat investigations this year involving potential rabies exposure.
Public Health Inspector Serena Roberts says vaccination is about prevention — because once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Roberts says even pets that are well cared for — and even animals that spend most of their time indoors — can have unexpected contact with wildlife.
That kind of unexpected encounter is one reason Southwestern Public Health is once again working with local veterinarians to make rabies vaccination more affordable.
This Saturday, September 26th, dogs and cats can get their rabies vaccine for $30 per animal, cash only, at three Oxford County veterinary clinics. The clinics are drop-in, and no appointment is required — and the $30 fee covers the rabies vaccine only; there is no exam or wellness check.
In Tillsonburg, Edwards Veterinary Service on Broadway will offer the clinic from 9 to 11 Saturday morning.
There will also be a clinic at Hickson Veterinary Services near Woodstock from 8 to 11, and at Norwich Veterinary Services from 9 until noon.
The participating veterinarians are offering the lower-cost service to help reduce the financial barrier to keeping pets protected, at a time when the cost of veterinary care continues to put pressure on household budgets. That protection matters beyond the family pet.
Keeping dogs and cats vaccinated helps reduce the risk of rabies being transmitted to people and other animals in the community. For pet owners who have been putting off a rabies booster because of the cost, Saturday's clinics offer a less expensive way to get that important vaccination done.
