Annual Rabies Vaccination Clinic set for May 17 in Malden

Anyone is welcome from Malden and surrounding communities – Everett, Revere & Saugus – to bring their dog or cat for just $15.00

By Steve Freker

The Malden Rabies Vaccine Clinic is back and will be held on Saturday, May 17, at the Malden Central Fire Station. Malden Police Dept. Animal Control Officer Kevin Alkins is urging all pet “parents” in Malden and surrounding communities to take advantage of the return of the Rabies Vaccine Clinic. While in the past the clinic has been open to Malden residents only, the pet protection clinic is now available to ALL nonresidents as well.

“We want to make sure anyone who wants to take advantage of the clinic and protect their beloved dogs and cats can have this opportunity,” Alkins said. “We have had successful rabies vaccination clinics for many years in Malden and our residents appreciate the services offered here.”

Alkins said now more than ever is the time to have pets vaccinated, since many dogs and cats may have missed their rabies vaccinations through the years. “Pets need protection from rabies, which is a life-threatening disease to them, other animals and humans,” Alkins said. “With the better weather and the increase of wildlife presence right in our residential neighborhoods and business areas, it is vital that pets are vaccinated against rabies.”

The biggest rise of wild animals in the area have been coyotes, with other common animals affected with rabies being raccoons, skunks and opossums. Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of animals and humans alike, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

This year’s Malden Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Malden Central Fire Station at 1 Sprague St. (corner of Salem Street) in Malden. The fire station is located directly across the street from Malden High School (77 Salem St.). The cost of the Rabies Vaccination for dogs and cats is only $15.00 per shot with the following regulations:

—All dogs must be leashed.

—All cats must be in a carrier.

Any questions or for more information, contact Malden Police Animal Control at 781-397-7171, x1302.