[Lady L_Commissioner_Ward4]

Animal Services to hold upcoming rabies vaccination/pet adoption events
TAVARES — Lake County Animal Services is holding the first of multiple rabies vaccination clinics from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the shelter, 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, with adoption hours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“One of our main goals is to encourage residents to come in and adopt a shelter pet,” said Cyndi Nason, manager of the Lake County Animal Services Division. “We are also asking pet owners to bring their unvaccinated animals to our rabies clinics so that we can get as many pets vaccinated as possible.”
At the clinics, an annual rabies vaccination will cost $5. Pet owners may also obtain a one-year pet license for $8 for sterilized animals and for $20 for cats and dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
Licenses can only be issued for pets that have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, which for dogs, cats and ferrets are required by state law and county code. Rabies is a preventable viral disease generally transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, with the vast majority of cases occurring in wild animals. Wildlife can transmit rabies to unvaccinated pets and humans, and the disease can be fatal.
Animal Services is also offering low cost microchipping during the clinics at $15 per pet.
“Licensing and microchipping dramatically increases the likelihood your pet will be returned, should they become lost and end up at our shelter,” said Nason.
Future rabies clinics are scheduled from 9a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 17, July 19 and Sept. 20.
To find out more about Lake County Animal Services, or to make a donation to the shelter, log on to Adopt A Pet - Animal Services, visit the shelter at 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, or call 352-343-9688.