After a dramatic increase in the number of rabies cases this year, Suffolk Humane Society and Suffolk Animal Control are teaming up to deliver discounted rabies shots to dogs and cats.

The groups are sponsoring a low-cost rabies clinic at the Animal Control office Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“There’s been such an outbreak (of rabies), particularly in our community,” said Kay Hurley, the director of community outreach for Suffolk Humane. “Animal Control and Suffolk Humane are doing this so we can provide a resource for people to get their animals vaccinated.”

At the clinic, residents can have their dogs and cats vaccinated for only $5, which is less than a quarter of the price of the shot at a veterinarian’s office.

Vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, but Hurley said they have enough immunizations for 500 animals.

The city requires dogs older than 4 months to be vaccinated for rabies every year. Owners are fined if their dogs aren’t vaccinated.

This year, there have been eight reports of rabies in the city, which is more than twice the number of cases reported last year. The most recent case was reported Aug. 15 when a stray cat found on Pruden Boulevard tested positive for rabies. Many of the cases have been in the Pughsville area.

Hurley said it is especially important for citizens to get their pets protected with the increase of rabies cases in Suffolk.

“A lot of people don’t look at it as important, but when something happens, it really is,” she said. “For $5, you can protect your best friend.”

The vaccinations were donated by the Nansemond Veterinary Clinic, and the $5 is a donation that goes to the Suffolk Humane Society.

Hurley said the price is a way to save money while helping to keep your pet safe and helping other animals throughout the city.

“You can help animals who can’t help themselves and help your animal too,” she said.

Animal Control will also be selling city dog licenses for $5 at the clinic. The licenses are required for all dogs 6 months or older in the city.

The Animal Control office is located at 124 Forest Glen Drive.

For more information, contact the Suffolk Humane Society at 538-3030.