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Humane Society To Host Shot Clinic

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN

mbearden@tampatrib.com

Published: March 24, 2009

TAMPA - Taking Fido to the vet for routine shots can cost upward of $100.

With more people out of work and struggling to pay for their own health care, getting required vaccines for the family dog or cat is becoming less of a priority.

That translates into a health hazard, not only for the animals, but for the community, says Sherry Silk of The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

"Going without vaccinations is risky. With budgets so tight, some people put it on hold," she says. "Yet some of these diseases can be very expensive to treat, or too late to save the pet. And in the case of rabies, you're putting human beings at risk as well."

In January, for the first time in its history, the Humane Society offered a free shot clinic in Sulphur Springs. It was such a success, hundreds of people were turned away when the organization ran out of vaccinations. Six hundred dogs and 100 cats were vaccinated for distemper, parvo and rabies.

On Saturday, the shelter will offer another free clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Tower Park, at the corner of North Florida Avenue and Bird Street.

Anyone on public assistance is eligible for free vaccinations. Pet licenses also will be available and free to those on public assistance. Otherwise, the cost is $10 for an altered cat or dog; $30 for a pet that hasn't been spayed or neutered.

Silk recommended arriving early to ensure a place in line. Based on January's turnout, the society is planning for 800 dogs and 200 cats.

Vouchers for low-cost spay and neuter services will also be available, she says.

"Right now, we're doing everything we can to help people deal with keeping their pets healthy and in the home," she says.

Last year, the shelter launched a food assistance program, soliciting donations of cat and dog food to be given to families who can no longer afford to feed their pets. Making the food available to people in financial crisis sometimes means the difference between them keeping the pet or giving it up. Demand for the free food is up 25 percent in recent months, she says. From March through December, the shelter gave away 68,000 pounds of food.

For information about the clinic or how to donate to the food program, call the Humane Society at (813) 876-7138 or visit humanesocietytampa.org.

Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613.

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