It is time once again for the free Springfield Rabies Clinic. It will be held Saturday January 11, 2025. Springfield residents will also have the opportunity to renew for a 2025 pet license. Please bring exact change or a check payable to the Township of Springfield. Only renewals will be done, not brand new/first time licenses.
The clinic will run from 10am to 12pm. No appointment is needed. All paperwork and rabies vaccination certificates will be provided by the Union Health Department. It is free of charge and will be held at the Chisholm Center (100 South Springfield Ave, Springfield NJ).
The rabies vaccines are good for three years and are used to prevent rabies before or after exposure to the rabies virus. Keeping up to date with the rabies vaccine is important for all pet owners, even if the pets are leashed and kept indoors. It protects the animals in case they come in contact with a rabies carrier. The vaccine is especially important for cats, which are likely to roam outside.
For those unaware, rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus and usually spreads through a bite from an infected animal. Animals most likely to spread rabies include dogs, bats, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. Once infected animals become ill, they might bite and attack other animals or people. If someone has been bitten they should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms will include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
Any other questions regarding pet vaccinations, contact the Union Health Department or your local veterinarian.
