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September 28th marks World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies and bring partners together to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.  On Tuesday, September 28th the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area will be partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Merck Animal Health to provide a Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic administering free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats by veterinarians from the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area.

“Vaccinating against rabies protects both the animals and people we love,” said Amy Kaunas, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. “We hope that providing easy access to free rabies vaccines will allow more members of our community to get their pet this very important vaccine.”

“The health of our families, the pets we love, and the environment we share with wildlife are all inextricably connected,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Through decades of aggressive action to prevent rabies outbreaks among wildlife and laws that require dog and cat owners to vaccinate their pets, we have fought back against rabies in Pennsylvania, but those efforts are undermined when pet owners fail to recognize that responsibility. Getting a free rabies vaccine is a great opportunity to protect your loved ones.”

The World Rabies Day Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic will be held from 9am-12pm at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus.  It will be in the HACC Parking Lot located on Industrial Road.  The entrance to the clinic is Gate 2.  Guests should look for clinic workers directing traffic.  The rabies vaccines are donated by Merck Animal Health.

While rabies is a 100% preventative disease, more than 59,000 die from the disease around the world each year.  Rabies is a viral disease that occurs across Pennsylvania and kills both humans and animals.  This disease is mostly spread by the bite of a rabid animal and if immediate treatment is not obtained, will result in death that cannot be prevented once symptoms start.

Learn more about protecting animal and human health, protecting your family when you’re enjoying nature in Pennsylvania, and what to do if you or a member of your family is exposed to rabies. Commonwealth Rabies Guide

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, education and collaboration.  HSHA accepts homeless animals regardless of their breed, age, medical condition, or behavioral condition.  However, HSHA does not euthanize adoptable animals due to lack of space or length of stay.  The shelter assists over 10,000 animals a year through its residential care and adoption program, low-cost veterinary clinics and Veterinary Resource Center, pet food programs, and counseling services.  Learn more at humanesocietyhbg.org.

 

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