Regular visits to a veterinarian for routine care and annual vaccinations are the best way to ensure pets remain healthy. Presently pet microchips and three-year rabies vaccinations are available for $15 each at Miami-Dade Animal Services, 7401 NW 74 St.
At the same time new low-cost comprehensive wellness vaccine packages will be offered to pet owners to help them keep their dogs or cats healthy.
A comprehensive vaccination program can protect dogs and cats from many common, serious, and even fatal diseases. For dogs, the packages contain the legally required rabies vaccine, along with the combination vaccine DHPPwhich provides protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza, as well as the Bordetella vaccine which prevents kennel cough — all highly contagious and sometimes fatal diseases in dogs.
The packages for cats also include the legally required rabies vaccine along with FRCPC which provides protection against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia and Chlamydophilaia — all viruses which can prove fatal in cats.
More information about these vaccines can be found online at www.miamidade.gov/animals.
The following pet wellness package options are available:
WELL-CARE PACKAGES FOR DOGS:
Option 1: Vaccine Package (Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP vaccines), $35;
Option 2: Full Service Package (Rabies, Bordetella, DHPP and Microchip), $50;
Option 3: Special Service Package (Rabies, Bordetella, DHPP vaccines, Microchip and Spay/Neuter Surgery), $80.
Well-Care packages for low-income* dog owners (to be eligible must provide proof of federal assistance):
Option 1: Vaccine Package (Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP vaccines), $25;
Option 2: Full Service Package (Rabies, Bordetella, DHPP, and Microchip), $40;
Option 3: Special Service Package (Rabies, Bordetella, DHPP vaccines, Microchip, and Spay/Neuter Surgery), $70.
Low income owner is a person receiving public assistance under one or more of the following programs:
• Food Stamps: Must provide current eligibility letter; card is not accepted.
• Medicaid: Must provide current eligibility letter; card is not accepted.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Must provide current eligibility letter.
• Temporary Assistance for Needed Families (TANF): Must provide current eligibility letter.
WELL-CARE PACKAGES FOR CATS:
Option 1: Vaccine Package (Rabies and FRCPC vaccines): $20
Option 2: Full Service Package (Rabies, FRCPC vaccines, and Microchip) $35
Option 3: Special Service Package (Rabies, FRCPC vaccines, Microchip, and Spay/Neuter Surgery): $50
If interested in Option 3, which includes sterilization, call 3-1-1 for surgical appointment.
For more information on the reduced rates and other services call 3-1-1 or visit www.miamidade.gov/animals.
