Low-Cost Pet Vaccine and Microchip Clinic on October 3

Pricing for the services includes $12 for rabies vaccines, $15 for distemper combo vaccines, and $20 for microchips. Owners may register their microchip online or for an additional $5, staff from Second Chance will handle the registration. It is important to note that the microchip requires registration with current owner contact information to be effective. There is no annual fee for using this microchip. Payment will only be accepted in cash or check; debit and credit cards are not accepted. All proceeds will support abandoned, homeless, and at-risk animals aided by Second Chance.

For pets to be eligible, dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old. Dog owners are asked to keep their pets on leashes, and cats must be in carriers. Pet owners should bring water for their pets during their wait and note that no public restrooms will be available. The fairgrounds are located at 2258 Charleston Rd., Whitneyville, along Route 6 between Wellsboro and Mansfield. For further information, inquiries can be directed to Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries at 570-376-3646 or via email at [email protected].

Regarding the vaccines:

The rabies vaccine is required for dogs and cats in Pennsylvania and New York, among other states. Per the World Health Organization, rabies becomes fatal once symptoms appear, but it remains fully preventable through vaccination. Vaccines available at the clinic will be valid for one year unless previous vaccination proof is presented, in which case a three-year vaccine will be offered. The rabies vaccine will be administered by Dr. Kristine Shaw, DVM, from Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital of Wellsboro.

The distemper combo vaccine safeguards against several diseases for dogs and cats. For dogs, it protects against canine distemper virus, hepatitis, kennel cough, and parainfluenza. For cats, it offers protection against feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

Microchips are an effective and permanent solution for reuniting lost pets with their owners, as noted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which states that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. Microchips are not GPS devices; they are inserted just under the skin with a needle. When scanned, they display a unique number that links to the owner’s information. It is crucial for owners to keep their contact details updated to ensure their pets can be returned if lost. The microchips used in this clinic require just a one-time fee at the point of registration, with no ongoing costs.