The 2017 St. Bernard Parish Rabies and Microchip Drive have been scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the St. Bernard Parish Animal Services, 5455 East Judge Perez Drive in Violet, LA. The drive will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., no appointment necessary.
Dog and cat owners may have their animals vaccinated against rabies and receive a rabies tag and license at a cost of $15 per pet; microchips are $15 per pet. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in a pet taxi or cat carrier (no cardboard boxes).
Parish and state laws require dogs and cats receive a rabies vaccination every year to protect against the virus that attacks the central nervous system. Around the world more than 55,000 people a year die from rabies. See report. Rabies is caused by virus that’s usually transmitted by animal bites, most often from dogs that have been in contact with a wild animal that was contagious. The Center for Disease Control says more than 90 percent of reported animal rabies cases in the U.S. are in wild animals. The top species: raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.
It’s easy to understand why most municipalities require licensing of companion animals to ensure they are up to date on their rabies vaccines. Sadly, we can’t do much to protect non-domesticated (wild) animals, but we can stop rabies from affecting companion animals and the humans who love and care for them. A simple, inexpensive vaccine protects your furry family members and, in turn, protects you and the rest of your human family as well. The rabies tag is an identification tag for pets. The tag number can identify the pet and its owner through records at the parish Animal Shelter. Microchips are not “GPS,” but they link all of your contact information with your pet to ensure that they are reunited with you if lost. For more information please contact the Animal Services at 504-278-1534.
