Last fall, Fairfax County started a rabies awareness campaign that included door-to-door notifications by Animal Control officers. At the time, there were already 30 confirmed cases of rabies.

Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and can be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Northern Virginia include foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats.  In 2011, Virginia had 599 confirmed cases of rabies, with raccoons leading the pack at 272 cases, followed by 181 skunks, 75 foxes and 21 bats. Believe it or not, there was also one coyote and four bobcats, not something you want to find in your backyard. 

Your pets are not automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it. Typically, you would head to your local vet for vaccinations. But, times are tough, budgets are tighter than ever, and some pet parents are cutting expenses at the expense of their pets' health and safety. There's no need to expose your beloved pet to such risks thanks to super low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the area.

In Fairfax County, the 2012 Reduced Cost Rabies Clinics are held at various locations around the county such as government centers and recreation facilities. Yesterday, Roving Rover Reporter (aka avid Unleashed! reader Linda Baskerville), took her dog Silver to the Sully District Government Center in Chantilly a rabies vaccination for only $12. In addition, folks could renew their dog license — required in Fairfax County, and most of the surrounding counties — at a convenient table in the government center.

Rabies vaccines are either good for one year or three years. If you bring proof of your pet's current rabies vaccine status, you can get the three-year rabies vaccine for the same price. Rabies vaccinations are offered for dogs, cats and ferrets. This one-stop-shop concept can save pet parents a lot of time, money and hassle! 

The vaccinations at the Chantilly location were administered by the staff of the Deepwood Veterinary Clinic in Centreville. Linda reported that the staff was very knowledgeable of the process within Fairfax County for the vaccinations, and very efficient, and that they provided the rabies vaccination certificate. She showed up about 30 minutes early before the clinic started to avoid a long line. The clinic runs from 2 to 4 p.m., and Linda was done by 2:30 p.m. While in line, she met several interesting dogs and owners. 

In Arlington County, low-cost rabies vaccination clinics are sponsored by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, a nonprofit humane society that shelters animals in Arlington. These clinics are held on various dates from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the vaccination is $10 per animal, including dogs, cats and ferrets.  

All locations require your pet be on leash or in a pet carrier. 

In order to reduce your pet's risk (and your own) of exposure to rabies, Fairfax County Animal Control suggests the following:

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep inoculations current.
• State law and County ordinance require dogs and cats four months of age and older to be inoculated.
• Vaccine must be administered every one to three years, depending on the type used and the age of the animal.  
• Warn children to keep away from wildlife and encourage them to report any physical contact with animals.
• Minimize contact between pets and wildlife, especially at night. Walk pets on a leash. Feed cats and dogs inside.
• Eliminate possible sources of food for wildlife from your yard and keep trash can lids tightly closed.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets. Even baby skunks and raccoons can carry the rabies virus.

Rabies is a preventable disease. It is a virus that infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. If you have not had your pet vaccinated yet, don't wait! Check out one of the low-cost clinics in your area.