Anti-Rabies Shots Offered for Pets

Animal lovers can get low-cost anti-rabies vaccinations for their cats and dogs next Thursday night at a neighborhood vaccination clinic sponsored by the Southern California Veterinary Medical Assn. and the city Animal Regulation Department at the North Hollywood Recreation Center.

“The clinic basically saves people money,” said Maria Leon, who works at the association.

“Here, it costs $25 to get all the shots. At a vet’s office, it can cost $50 to $75, depending on where you go.”

Anti-rabies vaccines will cost $4 at the clinic, which is staffed by SCVMA members.

Rabies inoculations given to dogs between 4 and 11 months of age are effective for one year; the inoculations last about three years for dogs that are at least 1 year old.

Dogs older than 8 weeks may also receive a $5 coronavirus or bordetella vaccine, which protect against a canine hacking cough and dehydration. The clinic will offer $11 6-in-1 vaccinations for dogs and 4-in-1 vaccinations for cats, which protect against common ailments including distemper, hepatitis, influenza and cat fever. These inoculations last for a year.

City, county and state ordinances require that all dogs 4 months and older and all cats 3 months and older be vaccinated against rabies. Although other protections are not mandated by law, most veterinarians recommend them to ensure the health of pets.

To attend the clinic, all dogs must be on leashes and all cats mush be in pet carriers.

The clinic is scheduled between 7 and 8:30 p.m. at the recreation center, 5301 Tujunga Ave.

For information, call the SCVMA at (310) 948-4979 or (310) 948-2211.