Low-cost rabies vaccines, microchip offered Feb. 16

Due to continuing demand, McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center will offer a third low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinic for McHenry County residents from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at its Crystal Lake facility, 100 N. Virginia St., intersection of Woodstock Street and Route 14. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling (815) 459-6222.

For safety purposes, it is strongly suggested that children not attend this busy event. All pets must be leashed or in carriers. Do not bring animals that are in heat. Information about bite history or dogs that are easily stressed will be requested when making an appointment.

Microchipping at this low-cost clinic is offered for $15. Rabies vaccinations are $15 for one year or $30 for three years. Registration fees are separate and required at the time of rabies vaccination. The cost of registering your dog can be found on the veterinary public health section of the health department website, www.mcdh.info. Registration tags are required by law.

There is no cure for rabies, and it is almost always fatal. Rabies vaccinations provide your pet with the best protection against this disease. Unlike dog tags and collars which can fall off or be removed, microchips are a more permanent form of pet identification.

Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle.