Loudoun Plans New Rabies Vaccine Event Due To Strong Demand

LEESBURG, VA — Loudoun County Animal Services is making plans to hold another free rabies vaccination event in the fall after its rabies clinic last Friday had a huge turnout.

The July 17 free rabies vaccination event, held at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, attracted owners of 333 animals — 241 dogs and 92 cats. The turnout was more than twice the number of the previous largest low-cost clinic offered by LCAS. Pet owners began lining up for last week's rabies clinic starting early in the morning, LCAS said.

LCAS is picking up the slack left by other organizations in the region that have been forced to cancel rabies and other types of pet clinics due to the coronavirus. More than 40 low-cost pet vaccine clinics sponsored by other organizations in Loudoun County have been canceled due to the coronavirus, LCAS said.

The county agency "recognized the critical need for accessible vaccination services and began planning for the event as soon as Virginia entered Phase 3 of the Forward Virginia reopening plan," LCAS said.

“COVID-19 is forcing people to make difficult changes in their lives, but we want to make sure we are here to support our community and help them keep their pets healthy and with the families who love them,” LCAS Director Nina Stively said Thursday in a statement.

At last Friday's event, in addition to providing free rabies vaccines, all dog owners were given a free, one-year Loudoun County dog license.

Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services has begun fundraising for another clinic in the fall to include low-cost microchipping, along with rabies vaccinations. Loudoun County residents should watch the LCAS webpage and social media for when the date gets set. Donations to support the free and low-cost clinics can be made on the Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services website.