Low-cost rabies shots available through Cook County
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will hold 30 rabies clinics this summer, the 11th year of its program. In 2015, the county vaccinated 5,344 animals.
Cost of a one-year rabies shot is $7 for dogs and cats; a three-year rabies shot is $21. Ferret vaccines, which last one-year, are $9. Only cash or checks are accepted; no credit or debit cards.
Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the County's Animal and Rabies Control Department, emphasized the importance of ensuring that pets are up to date on their rabies immunization. The World Health Organization has recognized rabies as the fifth-largest cause of deaths in humans worldwide. The United States has only had three deaths in the past 10 years.
"If your dog, cat or ferret is bitten by a rabid animal, this shot will prevent them from getting rabies and passing it on to other animals or to humans," she said.
Prior to the Canine Influenza Virus epidemic of 2015, Cook County Animal Control visited more than 40 locations with its mobile clinic each year. This year, clinics will be slightly curtailed due to precautions necessary to protect companion animals against communicable diseases.
Dogs at the rabies clinics will not be allowed to socialize; retractable leashes are not allowed, but all dogs must be leashed using a straight leash or the animal must be in a carrying case; no indoor facilities will be used and the vaccine will not be administered in your vehicle. Any dog showing symptoms of illness will be moved away from other dogs.
Clinic locations in the Northwest suburbs include Jewel, 45 S. Plum Grove, Palatine, on Tuesday, June 28; Jack A. Claes Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village, on Wednesday, June 29; Morton Grove Community Center, 6140 Dempster, on Wednesday, July 13; Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines, on Wednesday, July 27; Jewel, 3340 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, on Tuesday, Sept. 13; Jewel, 1485 Palatine Road, Hoffman Estates, on Wednesday, Sept. 28; and Highway Building Garage 34, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estes, on Oct. 4.
A full schedule of clinics is posted on the department's website. Sites are picked based on factors including socio-economic needs and veterinarian availability, Alexander said.