Harford County Health Department Announces Dates for Annual Springtime Pet Rabies Vaccination Clinics

From the Harford County Health Department:

The Harford County Health Department (HCHD) is sponsoring its annual rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are at least three months of age on Sunday, April 26th and Sunday, May 3rd, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Health Department’s 2015 Spring Rabies Clinics have undergone two significant changes this year, both of which are a direct result of tighter budgets and the need to streamline costs. For the first time in over 30 years of making rabies vaccinations available through its community outreach efforts, the cost of each vaccination has increased to $8.00. States Kevin Barnaba, HCHD Director of Environmental Health Services, under whose direction the pet vaccination program is offered, “The adjusted fee brings us in-line with what other local health departments are charging for this service.” He adds, “These clinics continue to provide convenience for many residents throughout the County, while still offering considerable savings over customary fees.”

The second change involves the elimination of the Whiteford Clinic. This decision was made in part because Whiteford and its surrounding community are currently supported by low cost rabies vaccination clinics offered through the private sector. Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly states, “The Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company had partnered with us in the rabies vaccination clinics for a long time to provide an excellent service to the surrounding community. We are sincerely grateful to them for their dedication, collaboration and support throughout the years.” Previous patrons of the Whiteford clinic may vaccinate their dogs, cats, and ferrets at the nearby Jarrettsville or Darlington clinics on May 3, 2015.

Most Maryland counties experience cyclical trends in the number of rabies positive animals. Here in Harford County after a low of 11 positive animals in 2010, the number has gradually increased to 21 positive animals in 2014. About 75% of these positive animals were raccoons, which typically provide the greatest risk and most common exposure route to domesticated animals.

Health Department pet rabies vaccination clinics will be conducted from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the following locations and on the specified dates:

Sunday, April 26, 2015:

– Abingdon Fire Company — 3308 Abingdon Rd., Abingdon

– Harford County Equestrian Center — (parking located at 702 N. Tollgate Rd., Bel Air)

– Susquehanna Hose Company — Intersection of Revolution St. and Bloomsbury Ave., Havre de Grace

Sunday, May 3, 2015:

– Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Dept. — Corner of Rogers & Franklin Sts., Aberdeen

– Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Dept. — 3825 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville

– Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept. — Rte. 7 & Mountain Rd. (Route 152), Joppa

– Darlington Volunteer Fire Dept. — 1209 Castleton Rd. (near intersection of Rts. 1 & 623), Darlington

Pet owners wishing to take advantage of the clinics and save time are encouraged to download vaccination forms, available online at the health department’s website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com. Forms must be completed using a ball-point pen and brought with the pet to the clinic. In order for pets to be vaccinated at the clinic sites, dogs must be on a leash, while cats and ferrets should be secured in cages. No animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets will be vaccinated. Mr. David Reiher, Rabies Clinic Coordinator, kindly requests that patrons bring the exact amount of cash necessary to vaccinate their animals.

Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets is required by Maryland law. Certificates issued at the clinics provide the necessary proof of vaccination for dog licensing in Harford County. For more information about the clinics, please call the Health Department at 410-877-2300 or visit the Harford County Health Department’s website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.