The Pearl River County SPCA will host its 10^th annual Wellness in the Park on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack Reed Park.

The event will include affordably priced rabies vaccines, microchips, cat and dog wellness shots, and heartworm tests for dogs. Prices range from $8 for a rabies vaccine or adult wellness shots to $30 for a puppy or kitten shot series.

The law requires that pets receive annual rabies shots, said Maria Diamond, SPCA spokesperson, and microchipping pets gives them a better chance of reuniting with their owner if they become lost.

“We want every animal chipped in Pearl River County,” Diamond said.

Especially in the incident of a natural disaster like a hurricane, a microchip is valuable for reuniting pets with owners, Diamond said.

The SPCA hosts a wellness clinic, because it helps ensure county animals are healthy and microchipped and it gives pet owners an affordable opportunity to acquire rabies shots or heartworm tests for their animal, Diamond said.

Over the years, the event has become better organized, Diamond said, so pet owners do not have to wait in such long lines. To celebrate the 10^th anniversary event, there will be extra giveaways, raffles and food for sale, Diamond said. The event will also include crafts to keep pet owners entertained.

All pets must be in a carrier or on a leash and the event is cash only. Vaccines are administered by a licensed veterinarian. For more information visit the PRC SPCA website.