FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13th, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION/INTERVIEWS
Humane Society of Vero Beach and IRC
Janet Winikoff, Director of Education (772) 388-3331 ext. 18
Maria Ramirez, Director of Animal Care (772) 388-3331 ext. 31

FOR MORE INFORMATION/INTERVIEWS
Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Peter Costa, MPH, MCHES (570) 899-4885

Humane Society offers free rabies vaccination clinic
Event held in conjunction with World Rabies Day

(Vero Beach, FL) – The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVB & IRC) will be hosting a rabies vaccination clinic for owned dogs and cats on Wednesday, September 28th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The clinic is open to all Indian River County residents and will be held at the shelter located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. The first 200 rabies vaccinations will be free. Should more than 200 pets be present, additional vaccines will be offered at $10 per pet paid in cash. Low cost spay/neuter certificates will also be available for sale.

Dogs and cats should be considered healthy. Dogs must be brought to the clinic wearing a collar and leash and cats must be in a carrier. Pet owners must show current proof of Indian River County residency. Copies of each animal’s previous veterinary records are helpful if available.

Rabies vaccines were made possible thanks to a grant provided by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and Pfizer Animal Health. The clinic is being held in conjunction with World Rabies Day, a global effort to vaccinate animals against rabies and educate the public about its prevention. Peter Costa, Global Communications Coordinator for GARC emphasizes that vaccination is essential. “As a responsible pet owner, the most important thing you can do is to have your pet vaccinated against rabies,” he said.

Throughout the fall The HSVB & IRC will also be providing educational programs focusing on animal safety for children. “Vaccinating pets against rabies and teaching children how to act safely around animals is the key to prevention,” says Janet Winikoff, the shelter’s director of education.

For vaccination information or prices on low cost spay/neuter certificates call (772) 388-3331 ext. 31. For educational programs and materials call (772) 388-3331 ext. 18.
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