To fight the upsurge in rabies cases, the Wilkes County Health Department and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter will hold an all-day rabies clinic Saturday, July 11, behind the Wilkes County Courthouse and veterinarians will be administering rabies vaccinations to all pets at a reduced rate.

In addition, all through the month of July, pet owners will have the opportunity to have their pets vaccinated for free at the Wilkes County Veterinary clinic.

Thanks to a partnership between Wilkes County Veterinary Services and Merial, a worldwide producer of vaccines and the maker of Frontline and Heartguard, free rabies vaccinations will be offered during the month of July at the Wilkes County Vet clinic.

The company will provide Dr. Les Sales and his professional health team with free rabies vaccines. Dr. M.R. Clayton has also been enlisted to assist with the vaccinations.

In an effort to educate the next generation, Dr. Sales has invited the FFA and 4-H members in the community to be present. And while the vaccinations are free, donations to FFA and 4-H will be accepted and welcomed.

The free, limited-time offer will extend to dogs, cats, and horses during the month of July with appointments suggested. All animals must be at least 12 weeks old.

The Wilkes County Veterinary Services clinic is located at 1093 Lexington Road and can be reached by calling 706-678-2929.

"This is the number-one thing you can do to protect your family and your pets from rabid animals," Johnny Wasson, state environmental health specialist said. "Have your pets vaccinated and keep them up to date."

The rabies vaccination clinic July 11 is sponsored by the Wilkes County Health Department and the Wilkes County Animal Shelter. The rabies shots are available for a reduced rate of $5 each.