(MEMPHIS – Nov. 11, 2020) The Memphis Humane Society is offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs on Saturday, Nov 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at their Memphis clinic. Only 150 vaccines will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  Dogs need the rabies vaccine readministered every three years in accordance with Tennessee law. Rabies is fatal to all unvaccinated domestic and wild mammals. Infected animals can pass rabies to humans. Symptoms begin as fatigue and coordination loss but rapidly progress into paralysis, extreme behavior swings and eventually death.

  A rabies outbreak in downtown Memphis started around Oct 5. with 12 stray dogs and nine family pets becoming infected and euthanized. Traps for raccoons have been set in several downtown areas, where so far eleven were caught and five have tested positive for rabies.

  “Rabies is a terrifying disease, but it’s completely preventable with the proper vaccine,” says Julia Villarreal, the clinic director at Memphis Humane Society. “That’s why we’re providing these vaccines. Let’s protect our most vulnerable and furry family members.”

  The event will be located at the nonprofit’s veterinary clinic at 1256 Poplar Avenue. All dogs must be kept on-leash and cats will not be permitted at this event.

  If unable to attend the free clinic, dogs and cats can get the rabies shot at another time for $12. Call 901-555-1212 to make an appointment during the normal hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesday.

  Contact animal control immediately if any animals display rabid behaviors. Symptoms to watch for include staggered or erratic movements; eyes and mouth discharge with wet, matted facial fur; or self-mutilation.
   

About The Memphis Humane Society
The Memphis Humane Society is a nonprofit established in 1975 offering affordable pet healthcare services in Memphis. The nonprofit’s missions are to reduce pet overpopulation and make animal welfare better in local communities.

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