In an effort to bring awareness to the importance of animal registration within the city limits of Poplarville, the Animal Advocates of Pearl River County will be hosting a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, July 30 at the East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic, P.A.
East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic veterinarian technician Megan Carmack, who is also a member of Animal Advocates of Pearl River County, said the non-profit group will be providing low-cost rabies vaccinations, microchips and nail clipping services.
A representative from the city of Poplarville will also be on-site to handle registration of residents’ pets and their rabies vaccinations, she added.
“By state law, animals have to be current on their rabies vaccination, Carmack said. “We also want people to be aware that there is a city ordinance that requires all animals within the city limits be registered.”
According to the city’s animal control ordinance, application for a license must be made within 30 days after obtaining a dog or cat more than 3 months of age. Dogs and cats must wear identification tags at all times, the ordinance states.
The license lasts for one year and cost $2 for “each altered dog or cat,” and $5 for “each unaltered dog or cat,” the ordinance states.
Carmack said state law relating to rabies vaccinations is designed to protect people. There has been a case of rabies documented in Louisiana and Starkville, and given the amount of wildlife in the area, it’s important to have pets vaccinated. Unless owners have proof of previous rabies vaccinations, technicians will be administering a one-year vaccination, she said. After that, animals can be administered a three-year booster.
Due to the city’s lack of an animal control officer, Carmack said it’s important to have cats and dogs microchipped, Carmack said.
“It’s hard to place strays who have no rabies tag or microchip,” she said. “The shelter and clinics can scan the microchips and help keep the stray population under control.”
The microchip is inserted under the skin between shoulder blades of the animal and is about the size of a grain of rice, she said. It includes the owner’s name, address, phone number, pet information and contact information for the animal’s veterinary clinic, Carmack said. A scanner reads the chip and helps shelter and veterinarian clinic staff locate the animal’s home.
“I could type in any microchip number and it tells me what brand it is and what number to call,” Carmack said.
During the event, rabies vaccinations will cost $10, microchips will be $15 and $5 will be charged for nail trimming, she said. They will be accepting cash, check or credit cards for payment.
All proceeds will benefit the Animal Advocates of Pearl River County, Carmack said. The city’s revenue from registration costs will be put toward animal control equipment, she said.
The clinic is donating the space, resources and time, she said. There will not be regular scheduled appointments during the event, which lasts from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic is located at 859 Hwy. 26 E.
Carmack asks that all dogs be leashed and cats kept in pet carriers. Carmack said she is hoping for a good turnout for the event.
“The more pets we have registered in the city, the more data we will have access to,” Carmack said.
She added that volunteers are more than welcome to join Advocates.
For more information about the event and Animal Advocates of Pearl River County, visit the Facebook pages, East Poplarville Veterinary Clinic, PA and Animal Advocates of Pearl River County. Contact clinic staff by phone at 601-795-4393 and Advocates volunteers at 601-909-5299.