City of St. Joseph of Animal Services holding vaccination clinics

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The City of St. Joseph of Animal Services will be holding vaccination clinics throughout the first two weeks of May.

The clinics offer a low-cost option for pet owners to get their dogs and cats the rabies vaccine, standard combination vaccines and administer microchips. The city is working with the Health Department, Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, LLC, and local participating veterinarians to asset in staffing the clinics.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 640 rabies have been documented this year, with five being reported as positive. In comparison to last year, 25 out of the 2,255 cases came back positive.

"The rabies (vaccine) is really important because if your pet contracts it, humans can contract it as well and rabies is 100% fatal," Senior Animal Care Specialist, Aubrey Silvey said. "It's really important to have your pet vaccinated against rabies."

The costs for the services provided are as follows:

• Rabies vaccines are $5
• Combination vaccines are $10 (cash only, paid to the participating veterinarian)
• Microchips are free of charge for citizens of St. Joseph by way of a grant from Petco Love.

The next clinic will be held later today at Hosea Elementary School located on 6401 Gordon St.