The City of South Lake Tahoe has officially designated October as Pet Wellness Month, acknowledging the essential role of preventative care in promoting the health of pets and the surrounding community. This proclamation, made in collaboration with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT), aims to enhance awareness of pet health and facilitate access to necessary veterinary services.
Community Clinics to Offer Vital Services
Throughout October, HSTT will organize low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics for dogs and cats in the Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, and South Lake Tahoe areas. These clinics are particularly beneficial for pet owners who may encounter challenges in accessing traditional veterinary care. The initiative seeks to ensure that local pets can enjoy healthier, safer lives through essential vaccinations and microchipping.
The wellness clinics have several key objectives, including:
- Raising awareness about the significance of pet adoption and spay/neuter services to prevent homelessness and save lives.
- Providing information on resources and support services available to community members and their pets.
- Encouraging residents to license their dogs following rabies vaccinations.
“We are honored to receive the City of South Lake Tahoe’s proclamation,” stated Stephanie Nistler, CEO of HSTT. “Pets are often overlooked when it comes to helping those in need in our community. As any animal lover will tell you, pets can enrich your life, and we want to ensure we’re doing our part to repay the favor.”
Important Guidelines for Participation
Vaccinations and microchips will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners attending the clinics must bring their pet’s most recent vaccination records, if available. HSTT will administer the DAPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines for dogs, as well as the FVRCP vaccine for cats. No additional vaccinations or medical procedures will be offered during these clinics.
To ensure a smooth experience, HSTT has established several important guidelines:
- Registration occurs outside the clinic area.
- Pets should remain in temperature-controlled vehicles until their turn.
- Dogs must be leashed and secured at all times.
- Cats should be kept in closed, secure carriers. If a pet owner does not have a carrier, HSTT will provide one.
- Clinics cannot accommodate sick or injured pets, nor litters of puppies or kittens.
In addition to these wellness clinics, HSTT operates a low-cost spay/neuter program aimed at income-qualifying residents. Spaying and neutering are crucial for reducing pet overpopulation, preventing unwanted litters, and supporting the overall health of animals. This program strives to make essential veterinary care more accessible to the community while promoting responsible pet ownership.
For more information about upcoming vaccine and microchip clinics, community members can visit hstt.org or call 530-582-2484.
