Free Rabies Immunizations Offered Saturday

If you have a cat or dog due for a rabies vaccination, mark your calendar. The Township of Springfield is holding a rabies clinic for cats and dogs from 8:30 a.m. until noon Saturday. 

The clinic will be held in the Sarah Bailey Civic Center, 30 Church Mall, Springfield. Pet owners are encouraged to come to the clinic to ensure their pet's safety. The vaccine is good for one year for previously un-immunized cats and dogs and three years for immunized pets. To accommodate residents, renewal and new pet licenses will be offered at the clinic on the same day.

Rabies continues to put both animals and humans at risk in Springfield and the Northeast, according to the Board of Health. Board Chairman Dr. Leonard Bielory, along with Health Officer Lisa Gulla advises residents that raccoons and other wild animals in the Township may be infected with rabies. Any contact with the saliva or body fluids of an unknown animal should be reported to an individual's physician and the Health Department.

The best way to protect domestic animals is by immunization, the Board advised. Residents are urged to take this opportunity to protect their pets and families from rabies and comply with State and local laws.

Springfield Township ordinances require that both dogs and cats be licensed annually. This licensing requirement includes animals that do not venture outside. License renewals are due before Friday, Jan. 31, when current licenses expire. Proof of current rabies immunity, good through at least Oct. 31, 2014, must be presented to obtain a license. Residents are encouraged to renew their pet licenses at the clinic or by mail using the licensing form included on the Health Department page of the municipal website. 

Once on the website, go to “departments” then “registrar.” The link to the pet licenses application is located at the bottom of the registrar page.