Pinellas County’s two largest animal shelters hosted their first collaborative vaccine clinic at the Lealman Exchange on Saturday, May 20th. Pet parents and their furry family members lined up beside the colorful Pinellas County Animal Services trailer parked near the main entrance of the Lealman Exchange building. When their numbers were called, owners verified their information and purchased a Pinellas County animal license for their pet. Then their animals were seen by SPCA Tampa Bay veterinary staff who administered a free rabies vaccine and free microchip. Rabies vaccines protect pets from the fatal rabies virus and prevent its spread to other animals and humans. While rabies vaccines are legally required for cats and dogs, microchips are not. However, microchips are highly recommended for pets because they are a permanent identifier that can reunite lost animals with their families. That’s especially important in a community facing frequent significant weather events and possible evacuations.
Pinellas County Animal Services and SPCA Tampa Bay are pleased to provide necessary veterinary care for the community. They look forward to hosting more vaccine clinics at the Lealman Exchange on July 15th, September 16th, and November 18th. For more information, contact Pinellas County Animal Services at AnimalRequests@pinellas.gov.