The Dallas County Health Department in conjunction with Northside Animal Hospital will conduct several rabies vaccination clinics throughout the county Saturday. 

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. in Marion Junction, the clinics will last one hour and move throughout the county. At 8:30 a.m., B.L. Youngblood, rabies inspector for Dallas County, will administer shots to cats and dogs at Bogue Chitto Church. At 9:30 a.m., shots will be given in Orrville. Residents in Five Points can bring their pets at 11:30 a.m. for shots, followed by an 11:30 a.m. clinic at Mark’s Mart. The last one will be held at JT’s Store, located at the intersection of Highway 219 and 14.

Only cats and dogs will be seen and all must be more than three months old.

“We’re just trying to vaccinate as many animals as possible,” Youngblood said. “By getting your cat or dog vaccinated, you’re preventing the spread of rabies to humans as well.”

Shots cost $10, a lower cost then what is asked at a veterinary office, Youngblood said.

Susan Keith, city council representative for Ward 2, said it’s crucial that residents take advantage of this opportunity and have their pets vaccinated.

“There is a very high incidence of stray animals in Selma and Dallas County,” Keith explained. “This is a great opportunity for people who live out in the country to get their pets vaccinated.”

The clinic, which has been hosted for several days already, has seen a lot of residents, Keith said — but more are still encouraged to come.

“People have been really appreciative of this,” she said. “It’s a great deal, too.”

For more information on the clinics, call Northside Animal Hospital at 872-2355.