Rabies vaccination clinics continue

The Smith County Extension office, area veterinarians and community volunteer groups are e conducting rabies vaccination clinics at 21 locations through May 6. Through the cooperation of local veterinarians and volunteers, individuals can get their pets vaccinated for $7 per animal.

Locally, the vaccination clinic will be held at Troup High School on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. The shots will be given at the Ag shop building.

The clinics are conducted during the time of year when the spread of rabies through skunk activity is the most common. The most common carriers of rabies in our area are skunks, bats, and foxes.

In addition to Smith County, the cities of Lindale, Tyler, and Whitehouse require that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies annually. Vaccinating your animals is one of the cheapest forms of protection that you can provide your pets and family members; however, it is estimated that only about 50 percent of all dogs and about 25 percent of all cats in Texas receive rabies vaccinations.

Pet owners are encouraged to bring correct change to the clinic. It is also necessary that all pet owners provide volunteer workers with their current address and phone number so that the certificates of vaccination can be completed. These certificates will be good for one year.

Other locations offering the reduced vaccinations (listed by date) include:

Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. - Bullard High School Ag Shop, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Lindale High School Ag Shop, New Harmony Community Center and Sandflat (Antioch Baptist Church, west of Hwy. 14 and Sandflat Road).

Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m. - Colonial Hills Baptist Church (South Broadway) and John Tyler High School parking lot.

Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m. - Arp Junior High Cafeteria (outside).