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By James Robinson

Staff Writer

Anyone who has ever had a pet go missing in Suffolk will find a new program from the Suffolk Humane Society is one to put on their calendar to attend.

SHS hosts a free microchip and rabies clinic from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23 for 200 companion animals. Located at Elk’s Lodge on 329 W. Constance Rd, the event is for Suffolk residents only and everyone attending must set up an appointment by phone.

Humane Society Executive Director and Event Coordinator Kerri Shallcross said this is important for pet owners to keep their companions healthy.

“So this is something new that we’re trying for all Suffolk residents,” Shallcross said. “We do not have an income amount needed, you just have to prove that you are a Suffolk resident.”

Shallcross said microchips are important for pets and help owners if their companion unfortunately gets lost.

“Microchips are really important for reunification,” she said. “If a dog does happen to get loose, they can wiggle out of their collars or their harness. So yes, having nametags are wonderful, but the chip is actually implanted into their neck.”

The process is simple.

“It’s just a quick shot, it doesn’t really hurt the animals,” Shallcross said, “and that way if they do get lost and animal control or any veterinarian or any good citizen picks up the dog, they can scan and then once they scan, they’ll get the microchip number, and then it will go to the microchip company and then they will actually call the owner and let them know they have been found and where they can be picked up.”

 

Vaccinations

The clinic will provide a one-year vaccination for rabies. With proper documentation, a one-year vaccination for distempers also will be offered.

Shallcross said this is important for new pet owners.

“With us, if it is the first year they’ve ever had them, it is a one=year vaccination. After that, they will have to continue every year getting them,” Shallcross said.

“Once you’ve done them for a year and you stay before the rabies shot has expired, you can get a three-year rabies [shot] which helps out a lot, you just have to remember every three years to bring them.”

Rabies is an extremely fatal viral disease that affects many mammals, such as dogs, cats and humans.

“It does help the dog or a cat from getting rabies. 100% of animals who contract rabies will actually die from it” she said. “It does go to their brain. People can of course look up that type of information, but we have rabid fox in the area, raccoons, so they’re not safe completely from anything.”

Shallcross said a lot of people believe that because pets, such as cats, are inside the home that the vaccinations aren’t necessary. “But a cat can get out. And even the best dog can accidentally get loose.”

Shallcross explained how mistakes happen often and that it’s important to have these provisions to keep their pets safe.

“We do have a lot of people who say it’s not necessary to do that because they’re always in their watch,” she said. “The best animal can sneak away and you might not realize it right away.”

Because things such as this can happen when a family has a babysitter or a friend checking on their pets while they are out of town, she said everyone needs to have their companions microchipped and vaccinated.

Shallcross said those who make use of pet friendly places need to ensure their pets have their vaccinations.

“For those who like to go to dog parks, they do have to be vaccinated in order to go to the dog parks,” she said. “And that should be for most apartment buildings that have the dog areas in their buildings.”

For details, go to www.suffolkhumanesociety.com.