Deptford Township is teaming with Gloucester County to host a free rabies clinic for the community’s pet owners from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Deptford Community Center.
The annual clinic – organized by the mayor and council – is a drive-thru that will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats. Canines must be on leashes and cats in carriers.
“It’s usually a smooth-moving affair and is over with fairly quickly,” said Mayor Paul Medany of the clinic.
The county is providing and administering the vaccine and Deptford chose the venue, the township community center. A veterinarian provided by the county will be on hand as well.
The clinic will require proof of a dog license, if available; cats need not be licensed in Deptford. In the event an animal is unlicensed, the township registrar and clerk’s office will be available to provide tags for a fee of $7 for dogs that are neutered – with proof – and $10 for those that aren’t.
“There’s a township ordinance that requires all dogs to be licensed,” Medany explained. “This follows a state mandate that requires the same thing.”
Vaccine tags can also be used to track a dog that has wandered away from home. According to the New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officer Association (NJCACOA), all dogs 7 months and older must be licensed within an owner’s municipality. In the case of Deptford, the licenses expire on Dec. 31 each year.
For more information on the clinic, call (856) 845-8300, ext. 2260.
“We ask for dog licensing so we can keep track of who’s vaccinated,” Medany noted. “We encourage all residents their dogs licensed and vaccinated.”
