County rabies clinic kicks off April 23 at Bullard High School

The Smith County Extension office, area veterinarians and community volunteer groups will be conducting the annual Smith County dog and cat rabies vaccination clinics at 22 locations from April 23 - 28.

Bullard's will be held April 23 the Ag Department at Bullard High School.

The clinics are conducted during the time of year when the spread of rabies through skunk activity is the most common, according to the extension office.

The most common carriers of rabies in our area are skunks, bats, and foxes.

It is possible for your dog or cat to be bitten by a bat or skunk without you being aware of the injury.

In addition to Smith County, the cities of Lindale, Tyler, and Whitehouse require that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies annually.

Vaccinating your animals is some of the cheapest protection that you can provide your pets and family members; however, it is estimated that only about 50 percent of all dogs and about 25 percent of all cats in Texas receive rabies vaccinations. Through the cooperation of local veterinarians and volunteers, individuals can get their pets vaccinated for $7 per animal.

Pet owners are encouraged to bring correct change to the clinic.

It is also necessary that all pet owners provide volunteer workers with their current address and phone number so that the certificates of vaccination can be completed. These certificates will be good for one year. Please check the following dates for the clinic closest to you.

Monday, April 23, 7 p.m., Bullard High School Ag Shop, Mt. Sylvan Community Center, Tyler - Winters Park (910 S. Peach Ave.), and Winona High School Ag Shop.

Tuesday, April 24, 7 p.m., Arp Junior High Cafeteria, Chapel Hill High School Bus Loop, Flint/Gresham Fire Station, Noonday Community Center, Overton High School Maintenance Building behind cafeteria, Pine Springs Community Center, Providence Community Center, Red Springs Volunteer Fire Department, and Tyler - St. Louis Special Education School.

Wednesday, April 25, 7 p.m., Tyler - Humane Society of Smith County (1823 CR 386), and Whitehouse High School (covered pavilion across from school).

Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m., Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Lindale High School Ag Shop, New Harmony Community Center, Sandflat (Antioch Baptist Church - west of Hwy. 14 and Sandflat Road), and Tyler - Dixie Elementary School.

Saturday, April 28, 2 p.m., Tyler - Colonial Hills Baptist Church (South Broadway), and Tyler - John Tyler High School parking lot.

For more information about these clinics please contact the Smith County Extension office at 903-590 - 2980.