Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS) will provide free vaccines and microchips for cats and dogs on Thursday, May 4.
The curb-side check-in clinic will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. at Kitty City, 91 S. Boyce Road, and will be first come, first served (limit to two pets only per family). A total of 50 animals will be treated.
“We are fortunate to be able to provide free vaccines and microchips to pet owners as a result of a generous grant we received from the Banfield foundation,” OPHS executive director Luanne Hinkle said.
“While it is important to ensure your pet is protected at any time, with Parvo rearing its ugly head in the community, now it is even more critical to ensure your pets are protected.”
Any unvaccinated dog of any age can contract Parvo and older dogs and puppies are extremely susceptible to severe disease and even death, Hinkle noted. Spread mainly through bodily excretions or direct contact, the virus is highly contagious, easily spread and environmentally resilient — with the ability to live for up to a year.
“OPHS has seen parvo in animals being surrendered or in strays brought into the shelter that have tested positive,” Hinkle said.
The organization tests each dog brought into the shelter several times and isolate them for 15 days to ensure they are healthy, she said.
“Every dog in the shelter is also tested as they are being adopted as well,” Hinkle added.
Symptoms usually develop five to seven days after exposure, but the range is two to 14 days and include: vomiting; diarrhea, often bloody; not eating; dehydration; and, lethargy or weakness.
“We understand that several private clinics are also reporting seeing cases of Parvo. We encourage the community to be vigilant in watching for these signs and call your vet immediately if they occur,” Hinkle said.
“And of course, the best way to ensure your dog is protected is through getting them vaccinated.”
Cats will receive a feline upper respiratory and distemper combo and all animals will receive rabies vaccinations and microchips.
“We take in many lost pets into the shelter,” Hinkle said. “The safest and fastest way to return your pet to you if is through having them chipped.”
For more about the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, visit ophumanesociety.org.
