Rabies Vaccinations

Community Outreach Drive-Thru Rabies Vaccine Clinics For Mecklenburg County Residents

"Ensuring Your Pet's Safety: Vaccination is Key!

At Animal Care & Control, we prioritize the well-being of your beloved pets, because we understand they are integral members of your family. One crucial aspect of pet care, mandated by North Carolina law, is the administration of a valid rabies vaccine for all cats, dogs, and ferrets over four months of age.

Rabies is a serious, often fatal viral disease that can affect both animals and humans. By vaccinating your pets against rabies, you're not only safeguarding their health but also protecting your family from potential exposure to this deadly virus. This is particularly important if your furry friend frequently ventures outdoors, where encounters with rabid wildlife can occur without your knowledge.

When your pet is vaccinated against rabies, they become a barrier against the transmission of the disease. This means that even if they come into contact with a rabid animal, they cannot pass on the infection to you or other family members.

To further support the safety of both you and your pets, we're pleased to offer complimentary rabies vaccination clinics. These clinics provide an accessible opportunity to ensure your pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccine, promoting a safer environment for everyone.

Remember, protecting your pet's health means protecting your family too. Stay informed, stay proactive, and join us in our mission to keep our community safe and rabies-free. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our furry companions and the people who love them."

Help us keep this a free program by donating!

When: 2nd Saturday of every month (except for Mega Clinics - they are June 29 and October 12 at the Animal Care & Control Adoption Center) 

2024 Dates:
June 8
August 10
September 14
November 9
December 14

Where:
4318 Beam Road - Charlotte, NC (about 2 miles from the Animal Care & Control Adoption Center)

Drive-Thru Rabies Clinic Instructions:
Thank you for bringing your pet to our free rabies vaccine clinic. Ensuring your pet's rabies vaccine is up to-date is vital not only for their health and the safety of your family but also mandated by law in North Carolina. Dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months old must have current rabies vaccinations.

To streamline the process for everyone, we've relocated our clinic to a convenient drive-thru setting. This means you can stay comfortably in your car, reducing stress for both you and your pet.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Our clinic provides 1-year rabies vaccines.
  • This service is available to residents of Mecklenburg County.
  • Pets must be at least 4-months old to receive the vaccine.
  • Dogs should be leashed, and cats should be in carriers.
  • Have your legal ID ready for registration.
  • Remain in your vehicle throughout the process.
  • Look for our team members in yellow vests for assistance.
  • Follow the directions provided by our staff for smooth traffic flow.
  • A team member will handle paperwork at your car.
  • You'll hold your pet during vaccination; our staff will guide you on the best approach.
  • After vaccination, you'll receive a rabies certificate with the tag taped to it (yellow paper).
  • Keep the certificate in a safe place where you can easily find it.  
  • This rabies vaccination is valid for one year. Set a reminder to update your pet's vaccine next year.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe from rabies.

Upcoming Opportunities for you and your pets!

Mega Clinics:  We are offering 2 mega clinics, they will be held at Animal Care & Control’s main shelter located at 8315 Byrum Drive Charlotte, NC 28217

Prep Your Pet: Saturday, June 29 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Subaru South Charlotte For the Love of Pets Day: Saturday, October 12 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.

What you can receive at the Mega Clinics:
Free 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines
Free Health exam with core vaccines *does not include Bordetella
Free Microchip
Free Pet ID Tag
Pet-related vendor fair
Fee-waived adoptions

You can also visit pets.findhelp.com to help you find low-cost and free services in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

 

ACC  responds to hundreds of calls involving wildlife.  As Charlotte grows and the wildlife habitat is destroyed conditions are perfect for more human and wild animal interactions as well as pet and wild animal interactions.

a button that leads to nc wildlife for tips and facts about coexisting with wildlife   Coexisting with Wildlife

North Carolina State Law requires every dog and cat four months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. This law also applies to ferrets within the city limits of Charlotte. This vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. In North Carolina, the animal's first rabies shot is good for one year and subsequent vaccinations are valid for three years. If you have recently moved to North Carolina and the rabies vaccination was given at a vet out of NC then it is still a valid shot (regardless of it being a 1 year or 3-year shot). 

Please be a responsible pet owner by displaying your animal's rabies tag at all times. This can help alleviate fear if someone is approached by your pet. The fine for failing to display a rabies tag is $50.00 and a $50.00 fine may be levied if your animal does not have a valid rabies vaccination.

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