Rabies, microchip event held at McHenry animal control

Submitted by McHenry County Department of Health

If a pet wanders from the safety of its home, the chance of being reunited with its family is greater if the pet has a microchip for quick identification and a current rabies vaccination record.

McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center will host both a rabies and microchip event from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at its Crystal Lake facility, 100 N. Virginia Ave. Cost is $10 for the rabies vaccine and $15 for the microchip. Registration fees are separate.

Discounts for seniors apply and for pets who have been previously spayed or neutered when purchasing registration tags. Registration tags are required by law. Appointments are required; call (815) 459-6222.

Not only is the rabies vaccination required for all registered dogs in McHenry County, but it also provides the best protection against this deadly disease.

Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of pet identification. Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving a vaccination through a needle and is painless to pets.

Adoptions also will be available. Fees are $80 and include age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus testing, microchip, heartworm and free first veterinarian visit at participating veterinarians.

To view available pets, visit www.mcdh.info, click on Animal Control.