Pet owners whose animals venture outdoors can be keenly aware of the possible dangers to their animals, such as rabies and other illnesses as well as pets becoming lost. But indoor animals may occasionally get out and face the same risks. The Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter offers low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics every third Thursday of the month, 5 -7 p.m.
Pets with up-to-date vaccinations are protected from illnesses including heartworm, kennel cough, Bordetella, parvo, and Lyme disease. If unvaccinated animals contract illnesses, an owner may face costly treatments and surgeries for these preventable diseases. And when pets receive rabies vaccinations, it not only prevents them from contracting the disease from bats, skunks, and raccoons; it also protects residents from catching the virus.
“Rabies is still a concern for Sacramento and the bats, skunks, and raccoons in the area can all potentially carry the disease,” said Dave Dickinson, Director of the Bradshaw Animal Shelter. “It’s important that owners be responsible and vaccinate, even if they believe their pet will never contract it; indoor pets can be susceptible if they escape.”
Pet owners can take advantage of the clinic’s affordable microchipping services on the third Thursday of every month. For only $15, pet owners can buy the extra security that has proven to reunite many owners and their pets. Though visible tags are the first line of identification for animals, they may wear off, fall off, or get lost. Unlike traditional ID tags, permanent microchips can contain owner contact information, pet information, and Bradshaw Shelter’s contact information, which most vets and shelters can easily scan.
“Microchips can be the key in reuniting owners with their beloved pets, as was the case for Chico, who was missing for eight years,” continued Dickinson. “He came to our facility as a stray but because he was microchipped, we were able to contact his family directly. Other owners can have a happy ending when their pet receives the proper identification and care.”
Licensing can be done at the same time as vaccinations and microchips for as little as $15. Owners may also conveniently purchase a license online. This inexpensive service proves a pet’s ownership and home address, and animals found by County animal officers can be returned immediately to the home, saving the stress of a shelter stay for the animal and the owners.
Vaccinations, microchipping, and licensing cost a small fee that proves priceless when owners have safe, healthy pets at home where they belong.
-Story by Sacramento County intern Gospel Cruz
