Rabies, micro-chipping Saturday, Mar. 29

Published March 24th, 2008

By John Johnston
Managing Editor

Following up on the recently approved Palm Beach County spay/neuter ordinance, the county’s animal care and control division is offering low-cost rabies vaccinations, tags and microchipping for dogs and cats four months and older.

The service will be offered Saturday, Mar. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon.  at the Micanopy Pavilion in Okeeheelee Park, off Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach.  

The $15 cost is for a rabies vaccination, tag and microchip,and is for sterilized or non-sterilized animals.  All dogs must be on a leash and cats in a secure carrier.  Animals in cardboard boxes will be not accepted.          

For more information, call (561) 233-1271 or 1272, or check the shelter Web site at www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal.

Fact Sheet

The county has also issued the following “fact sheet” on the spay/neuter ordinance

• The ordinance is not "mandatory" in that it offers pet owners a choice to sterilize or not sterilize.
• Animal care and control does not import dogs or cats from other counties, states or countries.
• Hobby breeders are not subject to the same requirements and mandates (caging, housing, exercise, etc.) as commercial breeders.
• The ordinance does not discourage responsible breeding.
• Hobby breeders who register during the 90-day "grace" period are exempt from the annual permit fee and will also receive 2 "unaltered" tags at no charge each year.