Cook County offering low-cost rabies vaccines, microchips for pets

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control is kicking off its 2024 Partners in Prevention clinics beginning Saturday, April 13.

Through mid-October, the department is partnering with local animal organizations to offer low-cost or free 1-year rabies vaccines as well as microchips. These partnerships ultimately link pet owners to organizations in their area for year-round pet care, helping to create a healthier pet community.

There are over 40 clinics scheduled on weekends throughout the coming months.

Rabies is always fatal to unvaccinated pets and is a preventable virus that causes inflammation of the brain in mammals. Rabies vaccines are required by law.

“Providing free or low-cost access to rabies vaccines is one way the county limits transmission,” ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate said in an announcement of the clinics. “Last year, we administered more than 6,000 rabies vaccines and over 3,600 microchips to county pets. This critical program offers an affordable way to keep pets healthy and safe.”

The complete list of rabies vaccine and microchip clinics in an interactive map can be found at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/low-cost-rabies-clinic.