Whether you’re a dog lover or a cat lover or both, if you live in Kane County, it’s important for your furry companion to stay current on their rabies vaccination and registration within the county.

With the recent discovery of rabies in a bat in Aurora, it’s just a good idea to get the vaccination. And it’s always a good idea to “microchip” your pet.

In order to assist county residents in vaccinating their pets, Kane County Animal Control is once again hosting its yearly rabies and microchip clinic for dogs and cats. The first clinic is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Kane County Animal Control, 4060 Keslinger Road, Geneva.

KCAC will offer one-year rabies vaccines only. It is required that all residents of Kane County purchase a registration tag at the time the vaccine is administered.

No appointment is necessary to take part in the clinics.

It is important, however, that your pet is either on a leash or in a carrier while at the clinic, as well as handled by an adult, 18 years or older. If your pet requires a muzzle, it is the owner’s responsibility to provide it and to fit it on the pet prior to arriving at the clinic.

If your pet is neutered or spayed, the cost for the rabies vaccine and registration tag is $20, $35 for non-neutered. Seniors pay only $10 for the vaccine, the tag is free.

KCAC is also offering microchipping for $15 during the clinic. Microchipping your pet is one way to bring your pet home if they should ever get lost. Most police departments and vet clinics can scan a pet with a chip scanner. All an owner needs to do is keep the information with the chip company up-to-date.

The dates and times of the other clinics in 2016 are below.

Clinic Dates and Times

• Wednesday, June 29 — 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, July 30 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Aug. 13 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  
• Wednesday, September TBD – 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  
• Wednesday, October TBD – 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  

All forms of payment will be accepted. If paying by credit or debit cards, there is a 2.45 percent additional fee added to the total. All owners must verify their animal has not bitten anyone in the past 10 days.

SOURCE: Kane County Animal Control

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.