Kane County Animal Control is reaching out to people who might not otherwise be able to afford microchips and rabies vaccines for their pets.

The Animal Control Department will be offering two Microchip and Rabies vaccine clinics for dogs and cats, the first coming up quickly, on Wednesday, July 29, and the second set for Wednesday, Aug. 26. Both clinics will run from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Kane County Animal Control Facility, 4060 W. Keslinger Road, in Geneva.

Animal Control will be offering one-year rabies vaccines and microchips, and no appointment is necessary to take part in this clinic.

It is required that all residents of Kane County purchase a registration tag at the time the rabies vaccine is administered. All animals must be controlled on a leash or carrier while at the clinic or waiting to be seen.

At Wednesday’s Kane County Public Health Committee meeting, Kane County Animal Control Director Brett Youngsteadt emphasized that the clinics are targeted to people who might not otherwise go to a veterinarian.

“All we’re trying to do is help the people of Kane County who are in need of help,” he said. “I’m trying to reach out to those who might not be able to afford microchip and rabies vaccine.”

By law, Kane County is required to host at least one clinic a year.

Fees for the services provided at the clinics are very low. (See costs below.) All forms of payment will be accepted, but if paying by credit or debit card, there will be a 2.45 percent fee added to your purchase. All owners must verify that their animal has not bitten anyone in the past 10 days. An adult over 18 years of age must be present and handle the animal. If your pet requires a muzzle it must be provided by the owner and put on prior to entering the clinic.

More information is available at Animal Control’s newly redesigned website: www.kanecountypets.com.

Kane County Animal Control still recommends visiting a veterinarian annually for a complete physical and additional health related services, and Youngsteadt said he hopes that area veterinarians will consider participating in the clinics, perhaps using the events to inform pet owners about important pet-care services, such as heartworm testing.

“This is not to take away business from veterinary services,” he said. “And if there are any veterinarians out there who would like to partner with us, please contact with me.”

Cost

1 Year Rabies Vaccine and Registration Tag

• Neutered $15
• Non-Neutered $30
• Senior $5

Microchip

• $15

Animal Control Duties

It is the duty of the Animal Control Department to:

• Ensure that all domesticated dogs and cats over 4 months of age are vaccinated against Rabies and have a Kane County Rabies Tag.
• Ensure that all reported animal bites are given precautionary attention in relation to the possibility rabies infection.
• Ensure that pet owners are instructed on proper procedures pertaining to animal bites and enforce adherence to these procedures.
• Contain loose\stray dogs in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
• Investigate nuisance dog complaints in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
• Investigate complaints of neglected and\or abused dogs.

What Should I Do If I Want to Avoid Rabies Problems?

• Vaccinate your pets — both dogs and cats
• Do not touch or adopt wild animals.
• Call your local police or animal control agency when a stray animal shows up at your home.
• Teach kids to leave wildlife alone and to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
• When left alone, pets should be kept inside your home or in a kennel.
• Do not feed wild animals or attract them by leaving food where they can get it.
• Pre-exposure vaccines are available for high-risk groups like animal control officers and wildlife rehabilitators.