Healthy Pets
The Rabies Clinic
The Anderson Humane Society’s Rabies Clinic is held once yearly around late May to early June. It is always held on a Saturday from 1-3pm. All pet owners are invited to bring their cats and/or dogs to the Rabies Clinic for low cost vaccinations. We offer Canine Rabies, Canine Distemper/Parvo, Feline Rabies, Feline Distemper vaccinations and Anderson County Dog Licenses. We could not provide this low-cost clinic without the wonderful service of our volunteers and the staff at The Animal Clinic and Anderson Animal Hospital.
Why does my pet need a Rabies Vaccination?
Every cat and dog over four months of age is required by law to have a current Rabies vaccination. The owner is responsible for keeping the Proof of Rabies vaccination certificate and should be able to produce this document upon request. If your pet does not have a current Rabies vaccination it is at risk of contracting and spreading the deadly virus. The owner may be held liable if their pet is not current on this vaccination. Rabies is usually spread through scratches or bites from an infected animal and can affect pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Once an animal shows symptoms of Rabies it cannot be treated and is almost always fatal. Learn more about Rabies here.
Why does my dog need a Distemper/Parvo Vaccination?
Canine Distemper is a contagious virus that is often fatal and dogs that do survive usually have irreparable damage as a result of the infection. Distemper is also carried by wildlife and can be spread through airborne exposure or the use of shared food/water bowls. Learn more about Distemper here.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal only 48-72 hours after the dog starts showing any symptoms. Treatment can be expensive and there is no drug that directly fights off the virus. Medical intervention can only treat the symptoms and even the best care will not guarantee survival. Parvovirus can easily be spread through any contact with an infected dog, its feces, or even its hair. Once Parvovirus has entered an environment it is very difficult to eliminate its presence and any dog that enters that environment is at risk of exposure. Learn more about Parvovirus here.
Why does my cat need a Distemper Vaccination?
Feline Distemper also known as Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease. Nearly all cats and kittens will be exposed to Feline Distemper at some point in their lives because it is commonly found in the environment. Once a cat contracts the disease, early detection and treatment are key. Without medical intervention nearly 90% of infected cats die. There is no medication that can directly fight Feline Distemper, so intensive care is critical to support the cat until its own immune system can kill the infection. Learn more about Feline Distemper here.
The Rabies Clinic
What You Should Know
- It is your responsibility to keep your pet contained. Please make sure your dog’s harness/collar fits properly and that your cat is safely housed in a carrier. Cars will be coming and going and it is up to you to keep your pet safe and sound! Not all animals are friendly with others, please keep your pet away from other pets and always watch any children you have with you.
- You will fill out your own forms. The forms will ask for your name, address, phone number, Pet’s name, description, age, and weight.
- If your pet has not received a Rabies vaccine before, it will get a Rabies vaccine that expires 1 year from the day it is administered.
- If your pet received a Rabies vaccine last year, it can get a 3 year Rabies vaccine this year.
- Rabies vaccine can be given at 4 months old.
- Feline Distemper can be given at 6-8 weeks old.
- Canine Distemper/Parvo can be given at 6-8 weeks old.
The Rabies Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet be vaccinated quicker if I come early?
No. No one will be able to fill out forms or have their pet vaccinated until 1pm. We always have a lot of people come early and they wait the longest. We recommend bringing your pets after the initial rush when the clinic begins.
If it has been less that 1 year since my pet's last vaccination, can they get their shots at the Rabies Clinic?
Yes! Your pet can receive their yearly vaccinations early without any expected complications.
Does my dog need a Dog License?
All dogs residing in Anderson County are required to have a yearly dog license.
Do you have to be an Anderson County resident to bring your pets?
Can I have my regular veterinarian administer the vaccines?
