Washington Offering Rabies Clinics May 17, 24

The city of Washington, along with two local veterinarians, will offer two separate rabies clinics for pet owners at the merchants pavilion at the city fairgrounds.

The city council approved the order for the clinics Monday night.

The clinics will be held Thursday, May 17, with Dr. James Hale and Thursday, May 24, with Dr. John Stoltz.

The clinics will be available between 4 and 6:30 p.m. both days.

Veterinarians will vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies and issue tags and certificates during the clinics.

There is a $5 charge for each dog or cat vaccinated. People must be over the age of 17 to register a dog or cat for the clinics.

All dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies and should wear tags showing they are vaccinated.

A city ordinance prohibits dogs and cats from running at large in Washington. Pet owners should keep their dogs and cats on a leash or in a pen at all times.

If a rabies epidemic occurs in Washington, dogs and cats caught that are not wearing an updated inoculation tag will be held for 72 hours.

If the pet owner does not claim their pet or pay the appropriate fees within the 72 hours, their pet will be killed.