While many prepared for the winter season by getting flu shots for themselves and their children, officers with Cass County Animal Control are asking locals to consider vaccinating their family’s four-legged members as well.

The agency is hosting two rabies clinics in the coming weeks, taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 18, at the shelter, located at 323 M-62 N., Cassopolis. Dr. Michael Lampen, with Cassopolis’ Bergman Veterinary clinic, will deliver rabies and other vaccinations to dogs, for $20 per shot.

“The service is open to anyone who is interested,” said Animal Control Director Ronald Butts. “You do not even have to be a county resident.”

People interested in bringing their animals for vaccination are asked to call the clinic at (269) 445-3701 to reserve a spot. There is no limit to the amount of dogs people can bring in for shots, Butts said.

Lampen will offer several different shots during the clinic, including a one-year rabies shot, intended for dogs who have never been vaccinated against the virus before, as well as a three-year shot for those that have been previously immunized.

In addition, the doctor will offer a seven-way shot, which provides protection from several kinds of canine viruses, including parvovirus, parainfluenza and hepatitis.

The clinic is offering these shots below the price owners would typically pay at a veterinarian’s office, with savings ranging from $15 to $40, Butts said.

“It is a way to encourage owners to bring their pets in as well,” he said. “Some people have never gotten medical treatments for their pets. This gets their foot in the door and allows their pets to get some quick vaccinations.”

Per state law, owners are required to get their dog vaccinated for rabies once it is 4 months or older, Butts said. The seven-way shot is not required under state law.

Owners can also purchase dog licenses — which are also required for dogs 4 months or older — during the clinic. Costs are $10 for a puppy or altered dog and $25 for unaltered animals.

Cass County Animal Control has offered the clinics for the past seven years, and has typically treated more than 100 dogs per session, Butts said. Wait times can range from 10 to 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd.