Pet microchips, vaccines offered

1/11/2011

Humane Ohio is providing a low-cost rabies vaccination and microchipping clinic Jan. 22.

The vaccination for dogs and cats is $5 an animal, and microchipping is $20 an animal, cash only.

Clients will be taken on a first-come basis between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Humane Ohio, 3131 Tremainsville Rd.

Rabies vaccinations are required by law. Microchipping is done to help reunite lost animals with their owners using a computer chip about the size of a piece of rice that has an identification number programmed into it. A veterinarian injects the chip under an animal's skin.

Some shelters, animal-control agencies, and veterinarians can scan an animal for a microchip by waving a wand over the animal's shoulder blades.

During February, Humane Ohio will run its annual "Beat the Heat" promotion, offering to spay female cats for $20 in an effort to prevent unwanted litters.

The rate for female cats is less than the organization's normal price and applies to residents of Lucas and Wood counties.

"Our rabies vaccination and microchipping clinic and our 'Beat the Heat' promotion are ways for us to offer pet parents special low-cost rates and financial assistance beyond our normal low-cost prices," Jill Borkow- ski, Humane Ohio marketing manager, said. "We're able to help pets and their owners at the same time, and our 'Beat the Heat' promotion also prevents unwanted litters of kittens from being born this spring."

Information about the rabies vaccination and microchipping clinic, or to schedule a "Beat the Heat" spay appointment for a female cat, is available from Humane Ohio, 419-266-5607 or humaneohio.org.

Humane Ohio operates a nonprofit, low-cost spay/neuter clinic and pet-food bank. Its spay/neuter clinic serves all area pet owners, people caring for free-roaming cats, animal shelters, and rescue groups through private donations and grants.