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AWS hosts Rabies Clinic in Ranson

By Staff | Sep 14, 2018

"Bubby" waits in line with friend Fran Banjoman at the AWS rabies clinic at Southern States. Photo by Toni Milbourne.

RANSON — Jefferson County’s Animal Welfare Society held a Rabies Clinic at Southern States in Ranson on Saturday.

The clinic allowed pet owners to obtain rabies vaccinations for their dogs and cats over three months of age at a discounted rate.

A line began forming at the door of the store nearly an hour before the scheduled start time of 9 a.m., as cat and dog owners lined up in the rain to gain entry to the event.

For only $10 per animal, rabies shots could be acquired for a one-year certificate or a three-year certificate, if owners had proper paperwork from their pets previous rabies vaccination. Those animals who received their first rabies shot or were overdue from their previous shot received a one-year certificate from the volunteer veterinarian.

Cats and dogs must be a minimum of three months of age to participate in the Rabies Clinic, with dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

Multiple tones of barking could be heard at any given moment, as different dog breeds greeted each other or voiced their displeasure at standing in line, particularly as the rain began. Owners were able to receive their numbered place in line and wait in their vehicles for the line to begin moving, if they wanted to shelter their pet from the elements or from other animals.

Patricia Kiser stood patiently in line with her little dog, “Bubby,” as her friend Fran Banjoman joined her. Bubby sat quietly, even as several dogs around him started to get antsy and make noise.

Many in line had taken advantage of previous clinics and plan to continue to attend, as AWS schedules at least two clinics a year.

Connie Hoffman, of Harpers Ferry, brought three of her cats to the clinic.

“I have some strays near my house and I would have brought them, too, if I had been able to catch them,” Hoffman said.

Having the reduced price allows Hoffman to provide rabies shots to animals that do not necessarily reside within her home. She has brought the strays before, so they will be safe from the threat of rabies, something they otherwise would not be protected against.

Rabies, a viral disease causing inflammation of the brain in mammals can be avoided by receiving the vaccine.

Most states regulate the administration of rabies vaccinations to domesticated animals including dogs, cats and, in some states, ferrets.

In the state of West Virginia, cats and dogs are required by State Code to receive vaccinations.

Dogs and cats must receive their first vaccination by six months of age, with a booster shot after one year. The animals must then receive subsequent vaccinations every three years.

The Animals Welfare Society regularly schedules the clinics throughout the year. For information on when and where the next clinic will be held, contact AWS at 304-725-0589.