Cook County Kicks Off 2024 Partners in Prevention Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

BOA

Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:00

County’s Animal and Rabies Control hosts first clinic on Saturday, April 13

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is kicking off its 2024 Partners in Prevention clinics beginning Saturday, April 13. Through mid-October, ARC is partnering with local animal organizations to offer low-cost or free 1-year rabies vaccines as well as microchips. These partnerships ultimately link pet owners to organizations in their area for year-round pet care, helping to create a healthier pet community.

There are over 40 clinics currently scheduled on weekends throughout the coming months. ARC used data from Cook County’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to help determine some of this year’s clinic locations. The SVI provides a comprehensive analysis, ranking community attributes including socioeconomic status, demographic factors, language proficiency, housing conditions and transportation availability. This data-driven approach ensures that clinics are positioned to serve communities where they are most needed, aligning with Cook County’s mission to deliver equitable healthcare services.

“Protecting our pets against a preventable but potentially deadly virus is essential,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am grateful to the County’s partners for coming together to ensure our pet population receives these vital vaccines.”

ARC reminds residents that rabies is always fatal to unvaccinated pets and is a preventable virus that causes inflammation of the brain in mammals. Rabies vaccines are required by law.

“Providing free or low-cost access to rabies vaccines is one way the County limits transmission,” said ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate. “Last year, we administered more than 6,000 rabies vaccines and over 3,600 microchips to County pets. This critical program offers an affordable way to keep pets healthy and safe.”

ARC is partnering with the following organizations to host rabies vaccine and microchip clinics for cats and dogs:
•    Animal Care League
•    Chicago Animal Care and Control
•    Chicago Wolves
•    Evanston Animal Shelter
•    Heartland Animal Shelter
•    Paw Salvation
•    South Suburban Humane Society
•    The Anti-Cruelty Society
•    Tree House Humane Society

View the complete list of rabies vaccine and microchip clinics in an interactive map here: www.cookcountyil.gov/service/low-cost-rabies-clinic