PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County’s Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter is hosting its monthly drive-through rabies clinic on Wednesday, April 15.
The clinic will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the animal shelter at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, Md. Pet owners are required to be in line no later than 6:45 p.m. to receive shots for their pets.
Cats, dogs and ferrets are eligible to receive shots, and all animals must be on a leash or harness, or in a carrier while at the drive-through clinic. Officials ask that people bring along past rabies vaccination paperwork when visiting the clinic so they can verify information and update records.
Additionally, spots are limited so registration is requested to make sure the shelter can provide shots to as many as possible. Pet owners can call (410) 535-7387 or email animalshelter@calvertcountymd.gov with questions about the event.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. However, in many other countries, dogs still carry rabies, and most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.
The rabies clinic is one of many services offered by Calvert County’s Animal Services Division. The division operates the animal shelter and is responsible for animal control and animal related ordinances in the county.
The next drive-through rabies clinic will be on May 20, followed by another clinic on June 17.
