CASSOPOLIS — Cass County residents looking to make sure that their furry friends remain healthy in 2019 will have two chances to get them vaccinated next month at Cass County Animal Control.

Cass County Animal Control, 323 M-62, Cassopolis, will host vaccination clinics from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 and 23. The shelter will bring in veterinarians to offer one- and three-year rabies vaccinations, as well as a five-way vaccination, which protects against hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. Vaccinations will be $20 each.

Animal Control is requesting that people reserve vaccinations for the clinics by calling the shelter at (269) 445-3701.

The vaccination clinics, which tend to be low cost by sidestepping office fees that would be incurred by visiting a veterinarian office, have been running annually in Cass County for many years, often seeing between 70 and 100 animals in a single day, said Cass County Animal Control Director Ron Butts. He added that the clinics are a service that he is proud to be able to offer the community.

“This is a convenience for the community and a way to get some low-cost vaccinations,” Butts said. “It’s something we hope to continue for a very long time.”

The vaccination clinic comes in time before dog licenses are due by the end of February. Dog licenses require by law that dogs be vaccinated for rabies, Butts said.

Though, Butts added that rabies tend to not be of significant concern in the state of Michigan. He said it is always important to vaccinate animals against rabies, both because it is required by law and because there is still a risk that animals wandering outside could come in contact with the virus.

“Animals today are more companion animals than they were in many years past. There are many more interactions between animals. Through dog parks, camping adventures or traveling, there is always a chance they could come in contact with something,” Butts said. “It is always in the best interest of pet health and wellness to get them vaccinated.”

The rabies vaccinations being offered at the clinic are the one-year shot, which is a first-time rabies vaccination that helps build immunity against the virus and the three-year shot, which is meant to act as a “booster shot” for animals that have already been vaccinated against the virus.

Though the vaccination clinics primarily serve as a way for Cass County residents to care for and keep their animals healthy, it also serves as a way for Cass County Animal Control to give back to the local community, Butts said.

“The community supports us, and we are very grateful for all the support the [they] provide for us,” he said. “This is one of our means to give back and say, ‘thank you for all the support.’ Pets are an important part of daily household life, so it is important that we look out for the health of our pets and the community.”