More than 2,300 dogs, cats and ferrets received rabies vaccines from MCHD weekend clinics



The Mobile County Health Department's veterinarian gave more than 2,300

rabies shots to local pets during weekend clinics between June 2013 and May 2014.

MOBILE, Ala. – Every month of the year the Mobile County Health Department plans a series of Saturday rabies clinics throughout the community so residents have a low-cost option for staying up-to-date on required vaccinations for their dogs, cats and ferrets. Thousands of pets come to the weekend clinics with their owners to take advantage of the service. In June, the rabies clinics will be held at the following locations:

1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., June 14, Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road, Mobile
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., June 21, City of Mobile Animal Shelter, 855 Owens St.
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., June 28, City of Mobile Animal Shelter, 855 Owens St.

This month, the cost of the vaccine is $10 per pet at the Animal Shelter and $8 per pet at Pet Supplies Plus. Only cash is accepted, health officials said.

New Mobile County numbers: Between June 2013 and May 2014, 2,331 cats, dogs and ferrets were vaccinated by the Mobile County Health Department’s veterinarian during weekend events, records indicate. The state of Alabama tasks local Health Department’s with providing rabies vaccinations to pet owners throughout the year.

Rabies and its symptoms: Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected mammals to man and is fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms of rabies include unusual behavior, irritability, headache, fever, inability to eat or drink, balance problems, circling, seizures, coma, and, finally, death. All warm-blooded mammals, including man, are susceptible to rabies.

Preventing the spread of rabies: Exposure to rabies may be minimized by eliminating all stray cats and dogs; having pet dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated; staying away from wild animals, especially those acting abnormally; and not keeping exotic or wild animals as pets, health officials said.