Low-Cost Rabies, Microchip Clinic Offers Later Hours On April 18

MILLERSVILLE, MD — A low-cost rabies and microchip clinic with extended hours will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, at the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control shelter, 411 Maxwell Frye Road in Millersville.

The agency’s weekly Thursday clinics normally operate from noon to 3 p.m. during this time of the year. On April 18, however, the clinic’s hours will be extended to make low-cost rabies vaccinations and microchips for pets more accessible to the public, according to a news release. The clinic will return to its usual hours on April 25.

Rabies vaccinations are $5 per pet during the clinic, cash or check only. Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age or older be vaccinated against the deadly disease, which can also affect humans.

The length of the vaccine’s effectiveness depends on the vaccine used and whether the animal has been vaccinated previously. Owners who have proof that their animal was vaccinated before should bring that proof with them.

Microchips are $20 per animal, cash or check only. This does not include an additional $19.95 to register the owner’s personal information with the manufacturer of the chip so that, if the animal is lost and its chip is scanned, its owner is contracted first. A brochure given to owners when their pets are microchipped explains the registration process.

The line for this clinic forms outside, so you and your pets should come prepared for the weather, and be sure to maintain a safe distance between pets while waiting. During weather extremes, the clinic may be cancelled; if in doubt, call the shelter at 410-222-8900 or check the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control Facebook page. While Animal Care & Control accepts cash as well as checks during this clinic, organizer ask that you bring cash in bills no larger than $20.

For more information about rabies and the shelter’s weekly clinics, visit Animal Care & Control’s website, www.aacounty.org/pets, or call the shelter at 410-222-8900.