As part of a partnership with Gloucester County, Deptford will host a free rabies clinic for dogs and cats from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the community center.
Pets can receive their initial vaccines or boosters for rabies. Unlike other towns – where pet owners form a line to wait their turns – the township’s clinic will be a drive-through.
“We’ve been doing it that since COVID, so that way there’s not a million dogs waiting in line like before,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “The county will provide the vet, while the township will provide the personnel that will also provide the paperwork.”
Public works employees will be on hand to assist residents, as will the Deptford registrar’s office, which will handle the necessary paperwork to provide records of the vaccine. The township recommends pets receive one every three years.
Cats at the clinic must be in carriers and dogs leashed. The township is expecting between 150 to 200 people at the event, where dogs have to be licensed and registered with the township, as per township ordinance and state public-health law.
Licenses will be available for a small fee; prices will depend on dog’s neutering status, proof of which must be provided at the clinic. Cats do not have to be licensed.
“This is a health and safety initiative, and we want to encourage that,” said Medany.
