Free Pet Vaccine Clinic Hillsborough County Sunday

Hillsborough County residents can get their pets vaccinated and microchipped for free Sunday at a drive-thru clinic at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover.

The Pet Resource Center will administer rabies vaccinations, microchips, and county registration from vehicles. Officials stocked enough supplies for over 1,000 shots. Pets must be at least 3 months old to qualify. County residents receive a required county tag and registration with their vaccine.

Dr. Ashley Guerra, a veterinarian with the Pet Resource Center, said the drive-thru format reduces stress. "Pets stay in the passenger seat or owner's arms, and they get a little poke," Guerra said. "It feels like a bee sting for a second, and then they're on their way." Pets show less fear than they do at traditional veterinary clinics, she added.

The county requires rabies vaccinations by ordinance because of the disease's severity. Offering the service free helps keep rabies out of the community and eases costs for pet owners.