Pet Vaccines, Microchipping Offered At Community Clinic In Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, MD — Pet owners are encouraged to pop by the next pet vaccine vaccination and microchipping clinic planned for Oct. 24.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aberdeen Fire Department - Station 1, located at 21 North Rogers St. The clinic is being sponsored by Jones Bel Air Subaru as part of Subaru Loves Pets month.

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"The number of confirmed cases of rabies in Harford County this year has reached 28 animals – primarily raccoons – which is the highest in the state and already matches the entire total for all of 2025," said Amanda Hickman, executive director at the Humane Society of Harford County.

"The only way to protect pets is to ensure their rabies vaccination is current. In fact, it's a state law that all dogs, cats and ferrets that are four months or older must be vaccinated for rabies. We urge community members to take advantage of this low-cost clinic to ensure the health and wellness of all pets in our community," Hickman said.

Raccoons continue to have the highest number of rabies-positive cases across the state, Patch reported previously.

"Raccoon rabies is endemic to the northeastern United States and is the most common carrier of rabies in the region," Ronya Nassar, Harford County director of population health, told Patch.

David McCallister, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Health, told Patch that in 2024, there were 226 laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases, and the same number in 2025. But as of Sept. 8, 2026, the number of laboratory-confirmed animal rabies cases for the state stands at 170.

"The state records 200 to 500 confirmed rabid animals each year," McCallister told Patch. "In Maryland, rabies is most frequently found in wildlife, most commonly raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. Domestic animals, including livestock, are also at risk and cats are the most frequently identified rabid domestic animal."

Harford County's environmental health team started placing rabies bait early this month as part of the new Oral Rabies Vaccination Program, Patch reported previously.

In addition to the rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets, vaccinations also will be available for bordetella (kennel cough) for dogs and distemper for dogs and cats. Vaccines are $15 each and payment is via cash or major credit card.

Pets also can be microchipped at the clinic for $25. Heart to Heart Mobile Pet Care will be onsite offering $20 nail trims.

Appointments are not required and the clinic is open to all, regardless of income or place of residence, explained Erin Long with HSHC.

Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash with a properly fitted collar and cats and ferrets must be safely secured in carriers.

Related:

Rabies Cases Prompt Nationwide Health Advisory: What That Means For MD

Rabies Bait Map Released For Harford County