• By Kelly Nash
• Posted Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Economic Assistance for Pet Owners

During the first week of October, Animal Control Officers will be canvassing neighborhoods in the Pfafftown, Old Town and Bethabara communities. The officers will be conducting a survey of licensed and vaccinated pets. The canvassers will be providing resource information to enable pet owners to gain licensing compliance including certificates providing 30% off the cost of a spay or neuter surgery at the Forsyth Spay Neuter Clinic.

The Forsyth Humane Society’s ROVER (Regional Outreach Vehicle for Education & Rescue) will also be at the following locations with information regarding financial assistance for low, to no cost spaying/neutering and vaccinations:

Old Town Shopping Center
October 1, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Walkertown Community Park
October 1, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Each year over 3,000 dogs and cats are turned over to the Forsyth County Animal Shelter by their owners/custodians. One out of three of these pets will be a puppy or kitten. The leading animal welfare organizations in the country have determined that spaying and neutering is a fundamental element of responsible pet ownership and the key to reducing the number of unwanted pets.

Forsyth County Code 6-10 – requires both cats and dogs to be registered. Licensing fees are $5 for an altered pet, $25 for unaltered dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering our pets has many benefits. In addition to reduced licensing fees, altered pets are less likely to roam. It can curtail aggression, reduce unwanted marking and increase our pet’s ability to lead a calm and healthy life.

Forsyth County will once again hold the annual fall Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic.

Date:	October 24, 2009
Time:	12:00 – 3:00 PM
Location:	Dixie Classic Fairgrounds
Cost:	$5.00 for each pet.

There have been 10 confirmed cases of rabies in 2009. Because so many people live close to wildlife, it is important to keep dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinated pets act as a buffer between people and wild animals. Avoid any physical contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats. Make sure your own pets have up-to-date licenses and rabies vaccinations, If your pet comes in contact with a wild animal, or if you are bitten by someone’s pet, the Animal Control Department at 336-703-2490 immediately.