Owning a Pet Can Get Expensive
Owning a dog is expensive. My daughter is learning this the hard way. We fostered a sweet Doberman puppy from It Takes a Village, and she decided she wanted to keep him. The deal was that she has to pay for him and his care. I'm already paying for two horses, a dog, and a cat. On top of his adoption fee, there's vetting, food, and all the extras that come with having a high-energy puppy. Every few weeks, when she buys a giant bag of dog food, she dies a little inside when she forks over her summer earnings.
Pet Costs Can Put More Pressure on Local Shelters
It's no secret that our shelters are completely overrun with animals. Part of the reason is that it's so expensive to own a pet. Our yearly vet checkup for the dog and cat runs me almost $400, plus another $200 for flea and heartworm prevention.
When costs go up, shelters and animal control offices face overcrowding. So, to help fight this, Warrick Animal Control has teamed up with Hope Central in Boonville to offer rabies vaccinations and microchips to the community.
Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine?
In Indiana, it's actually illegal to own a pet and not get it regular rabies vaccinations.
No owner shall possess within Warrick County any animal three months of age or older that is required by law to have a rabies vaccination, unless such animal has been immunized by a licensed veterinarian with a rabies vaccine of a type approved by the State Board of Health. In accordance with Indiana state law, one-year and three-year vaccines may be used according to approved label directions.
Why is a Rabies Vaccine Such a Big Deal?
If you've never seen Old Yeller, let me fill you in on a life lesson... Rabies is the worst of the worst. If an animal contracts rabies, the virus travels through the nervous system to the brain, causing swelling, extreme aggressive behavior, paralysis, and death within a week of symptoms appearing; humans are not immune to this virus. A little boy lost his life to rabies last month when he was infected by a bat.
Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, death is imminent as there is no cure.
Free Rabies Vaccinations and Microchips in Warrick County
So, if you have pets, they need immunizations - especially rabies!
Warrick Animal Control will be at Hope Central’s Food Pantry at 4205 State Route 62 on Thursday, August 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to provide your pet with a rabies vaccine and microchip.
Please bring an ID. This service will only be provided to Warrick County residents at this time, though they are hoping to expand in the future.
If you'd like to pay it forward, you can do so by making a monetary or supply donation to Warrick County Animal Control or Hope Central. You can drop off supplies or mail checks directly to the Warrick Animal Control facility at 655 Roth Road, Boonville, IN, or to Hope Central.
Doggie Treat Guide
- They’re often free but can vary by location and employee. Ask - don't assume.
- Some places may charge a small fee for the cup itself.
- Make an additional purchase, don't just roll up and expect something for free.
- Always ask politely at the window or counter. Most baristas or carhops love handing them out.
- Dairy and sugar can upset dog tummies and should be enjoyed in moderation.
- Dogs must be kept leashed and outside, with the exception of service dogs.
Gallery Credit: Ashley S
