Many people share strong and binding bonds with their dogs, truly people’s best friends. To care for and ensure the longevity of these treasured four-legged friends, it’s imperative that they get their vaccinations. Now, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast is lending a helping hand—and paw—to pet owners by offering their inaugural free shot clinics!
It is the mission of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast to provide resources for animals in need while advancing the no-kill culture.
On Aug. 7 and 21, the Humane Society will be hosting their first shot clinics, for canines only.
These vaccinations address the veterinary health issues of Distemper (a potentially dangerous upper respiratory infection), Kennel Cough (a very contagious respiratory infection) and Rabies. All vaccines are provided free of charge to everyone, with no questions asked about income, living situation, etc.
Vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. on both days. They are first come, first served. Vaccines for nearly 200 dogs will be available.
“This will be our first free shot clinic ever!” said Georgianna Waite, Shelter Services Manager.
Vaccinations, according to Waite, are crucial to the health and well-being of pets. This is particularly true of rabies, a contagious disease that is fatal and contagious– passable even to humans. Rabies vaccinations are required by law throughout the nation. In 2022, sixty-five rabies cases were reported throughout the state of Florida.
“This free shot clinic is to prevent the spread of deadly diseases that they can pick up from the soil,” she said, “as well as other dogs.”
Waite stresses there are no prerequisites or mandatory requirements for participation in the Humane Society of the Nature Coast free shot clinics.
“There are none!” she said. “Dogs must be leashed!”
The free shot clinic, says Waite, marks a pivotal role in the Humane Society’s community outreach to the animals of this area–as well as to their people. The Humane Society of the Nature Coast found loving homes for a grand total of 1245 pets in 2023. The agency’s other services include adoption, pet pantry and lost and found. An army of devoted volunteers works to walk and provide other care services for the pets, housed in a 5500-square-foot structure that contains a cat cottage, exam rooms (a veterinarian regularly visits the facility to provide medical care for animals who need it), a reception area, a memorial garden, a quarantine area, renovated play areas, offices, bathrooms, a storage area, adoption areas, a pet food prep area and more.
“We adopt out 1000 animals each year and wanted to give back to our community that supports us so much,” she said.
The Humane Society of the Nature Coast, an agency that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is located at 7200 Mobley Rd, Brooksville. For more information about their upcoming Free Shot Clinics, call (352) 796-2711 or visit https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietynaturecoast. And to lend support to the organization that helps so many, visit https://humanerescue.org/give/.
