Special to the American Press

The Calcasieu Parish Animal Services has announced the dates of two drive-thru rabies clinics in Sulphur and Lake Charles.

Clinic dates, times, and locations:

• 7 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 8:  Burton Coliseum Complex parking lot, 7001 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles.
• 7 a.m. – noon, Saturday, April 5: West-Cal Arena & Events Center parking lot, 401 Arena Road, Sulphur.

The vaccination and licensing fee for an animal who is already spayed or neutered is $8. For an unaltered pet, the fee is $10. Microchipping will also be available at the clinics.

Residents can pay with cash or checks only – no debit or credit cards will be accepted.

All cats must be in portable kennels.

State and parish codes require all dogs and cats over three months of age to be vaccinated and licensed. These drive-thru clinics help prevent the spread of the rabies infection and once vaccinated, your pet is required to wear a rabies license tag. Cat owners are encouraged to place the tags on breakaway collars.

A reminder to residents that the legal definition of a pet owner is “any person, business or entity that provides care, harbors, acts as custodian, or permits an animal to remain on or about his premises.” In the event someone is bitten, this owner could be held responsible.

For more information, contact Animal Services at 337-721-3730 or visit www.calcasieu.gov.