Published: April 23, 2009 08:01 am      

Rabies clinics set through April and May

By Brenda Tollett

Associate Editor

ADA — Each spring veterinarians in Pontotoc County work to make sure all dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies. The veterinarians hold special clinics in their offices and in communities surrounding Ada to give residents opportunities to protect their pets against this deadly virus. Vaccinations are provided at a reduced rate during the special clinics.

Vickie Clonch, Pontotoc County Health Department’s environmental technician, recently praised local veterinarians for their participation in this program. Several local veterinarians are conducting clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets April 25 through May 26.

On Saturday, April 25, dogs, cats and ferrets will be vaccinated for rabies at Oil Center Fire Department from 10 -11 a.m., Vanoss Agriculture Building from 11:15 a.m. until noon, and Roff Fire Department from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In-clinic vaccinations will be conducted May 6-7 and May 20-21 at Ada Veteterinary Clinic, 1020 Sandy Creek, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.; Animal Medical Center, 728 E. Main, from 8 a.m. until noon and 1:30-5 p.m.; Arlington Animal Clinic, 3006 Arlington, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Clinics will also be conducted from 4-6 p.m. at Francis Fire Department May 5, at Stonewall Multipurpose Building May 12, Byng Fire Department May 14 and Fittstown Fire Department May 26. Felines & Friends Veterinary Clinic, 2627 Arlington, will vaccinate only cats from 10-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. May 7 and 21. Cost of the vaccination during this special clinic is $8.

By law, all animals must be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months of age. Cost of vaccinations is $8.

If an animal bites someone, even uninvited guests or home intruders, the bite must be reported to authorities. According to Clonch, if the animal has not been vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, it must be quarantined for 10 days at a veterinary clinic. If the animal’s vaccinations are up to date, it will be quarantined at home. The pet’s owner will be responsible for all costs at the veterinary clinic, plus cost of a rabies vaccination. By then, many pet owners may be thinking $8 was a small price to pay for assurance that their pet is protected from the threat of rabies.