The rabies vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, May 2, at West Hartford Town Hall.

By Ronni Newton

Dogs and cats – accompanied by their owners – are invited to attend a rabies vaccination clinic planned for the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost is $10 per pet, cash only. Vaccines are available first-come-first-served, said Animal Control Supervisor Kim Gulino, who anticipates it will be a popular event.

Vaccines will be administered by, Dr. Jill Lopez, who recently opened a practice in Avon called Pet Candy and has offered to do the clinic, Gulino said.

The clinic is open to the public, and you – or your pet – do not have to be a West Hartford resident to participate.

“If the pet owner has a previous rabies vaccine and has proof of it, it will be honored and the pet will receive a three-year vaccine,” said Gulino. Otherwise, a one-year vaccine will be administered. A rabies tag will be handed out at the clinic and the certificate will be provided via email.

The clinic is intended to help pet owners “keep your pets safe, healthy, and legally up-to-date (because nobody wants their dog negotiating with Animal Control about paperwork.”

There are few important reminders that West Hartford Animal Control shared on their Facebook page:

• Dogs must be leashed
• Cats must be in a carrier
• Be prepared for a quick and efficient process
• Bring paperwork if your dog or cat has been previously vaccinated in order to receive a three-year vaccine. Otherwise only the one-year vaccine can be administered.

“Rabies vaccinations are not just important – they’re required by law and help protect your pets, your family, and the community. Plus, for $10… it’s probably the best deal your pet will get all year (and they won’t even have to sit through a sales pitch),” Animal Control said in a Facebook post.

“Bring your furry friends, enjoy the fresh air, and let’s keep West Hartford safe – one wagging tail (or judgmental cat stare) at a time.”

Any questions can be directed to West Hartford Animal Control at 860-570-8818.

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