High Desert Veterinary Service in coordination with the City of Douglas Police Department and Animal Control will offer two days of a rabies vaccination clinic on March 24 and 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Castro Park, located at 10th St.

The first vaccination clinic was held on January 29 at the park and it was a success thanks to more than 70 responsible pet owners who took their dogs and cats to the clinic to receive the vaccine.

The price for the vaccine will be $20 Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, who must be four months or older to receive the vaccine; $25 for most other annual boosters and $35 for the combination of rabies and distemper vaccine. For the payment cash or check will be accepted only.

Also, as a special service to the public, the City of Douglas will be offering licenses, required by law.

Rabies vaccinations are required by state law and must be given by a veterinarian licensed in the United States. By vaccinating your pets against rabies, you help protect yourself and the public from exposure to this fatal disease.

The City of Douglas reminds the public to keep dogs on leash and cats in carriers. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep pets under control.

For more information, people can call at (520) 364-3268 or (520) 417 7567.

What everybody should know about Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. This virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies is fatal once the virus reaches the brain.

It only affects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young); this means pets, livestock, wildlife and people are at risk. Rabies is spread mainly through bites from infected animals, but it can be spread in other ways too, such as scratches, or when infected saliva or brain tissue come in contact with open wounds, skin breaks, or mucus membranes (thin layers of tissue that line the eyes, nose, mouth, etc.).

To protect yourself and your family from rabies avoid contact with all wild animals, and stay away from strays and other people’s pets. They may not have been properly vaccinated. Have your animals vaccinated. This includes dogs, cats, ferrets and selected livestock.

If your pet is bitten or attacked, contact your veterinarian and the Douglas Police Department and Animal Control.