Area residents gave a strong showing as they got pets vaccinated at a discount Saturday, courtesy of a partnership between the Emporia Animal Shelter and K-State Veterinary Department.
Around 60 dogs and cats got vaccinated after a similar event this past October led to around 50 vaccinations. Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Stephanie Achille says this gives experience to veterinary interns. It also is of vital importance to a lot of pet parents.
Pets could get vaccinated for rabies, distemper and parvovirus. They could also get flea and tick treatments.
By vaccinating for what he called “some of the most significant pathogens that we see in companion animals,” Veterinarian Dr. Ron Orchard says this is a great way to help provide for animal welfare locally.
Achille says this reflects a “good rapport” with K-State, but it’s a different program than one that began developing about two years ago and has led to some operations adjustments at the shelter, including the end — if possible — of double-booking animals, as well as spaying and neutering animals on intake and developing more relationships with other no-kill shelters in cases pet transfers are needed.
Achille would like to see two more discount vaccination events this year. The shelter is now getting ready for an online fundraising auction beginning March 10.
