WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau-area pet owners that are due to have their animals vaccinated can do so for free Saturday morning at the Marathon County Humane Society.
“Paws and Protect” will be held from 8 AM to noon at the Humane Society office off of Packer Drive near Sunny Vale Park. Ashly Bishop is the Humane Officer for both the Wausau and Everest Metro Police Departments, she says the event is important for the health of both the pets and their owners.
“Not only is it fatal to [the pets] but it’s also fatal to owners if they get bit by their animal if its contracted rabies,” said Bishop.
Discounted microchips will also be offered, which allows the pets to be quickly returned to their owners if they are lost, They can also help to verify that the animal is up-to-date on their rabies vaccines, which can prevent them from having to be put down for testing if they do bite someone.
Licensing services will also be offered, so Bishop says the event serves as a one-stop shop to get your animals ready for the summer. But, there is a catch as the event is only open to residents of the Cities of Schofield and Wausau along with the Town and Village of Weston. Bishop says right now they can’t offer pet licensing for other jurisdictions.
“The key thing for us at the event is getting the licensing,” added Bishop.
Rabies vaccines at the event will be free, with microchipping done for $10. Licensing fees vary from $5-$18 for a spayed or neutered animal depending on which area you live in, those that aren’t spayed or neutered can cost up to $60 to license. Bishop says you can check with your specific jurisdiction for the exact cost. That information will also be available at the event Saturday.