THOMASVILLE — Cats and dogs attending a December event will depart protected against a fatal disease and equipped with a mechanism to locate them should they get lost.

The Rabies Roundup will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at Balfour Park & the City of Thomasville Dog Park, 415 S. Pinetree Blvd.

The presence of a rabid fox in the community and the necessity of a person having to undergo treatment for the disease brought about the Rabies Roundup.

“This event is a direct response to the rabies exposure we had on the south side of town due to a raccoon bite,” said Chandler Giddens, Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society animal shelter executive director.. “We are trying to bolster protection of Thomas County’s unvaccinated pets.”

Dogs attending the event must be on leashes. Cats must be in carriers.

“We’re restricting this to Thomas County residents only,” Giddens said.

Those attending must show proof of residency with a driver’s license, utilities bill or other residency documentation.

A veterinarian will administer the vaccines. A veterinary technician also will be present.

“We will be offering rabies vaccines and microchips at $10 each,” Giddens said. 

If someone has their pet microchipped, the rabies vaccine is free. Three-hundred rabies vaccine doses will be available.

A microchip — implanted under an animal’s skin between the shoulder blades — registers a number and the location of the pet’s owner. The information makes it possible to contact the owner if the animal is lost.

Georgia law requires that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies.

The Rabies Roundup is sponsored by the Humane Society and the Thomas County Health Department.

Masks and social-distancing will be required at the Rabies Roundup. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820