Humane Society Offers Cheap Shots For Low-Income Pet Owners

DETROIT– Feeling the strain of unemployment or underemployment, some are faced with a tough decision: Whether they can afford their pets.

In order to keep more families together and provide help for low-income pet owners and their furry friends, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is holding its 22nd annual series of "Protect-A-Pet" clinics throughout the city of Detroit.

These spring and summer clinics provide low-cost vaccinations and microchipping for healthy dogs and cats over six weeks of age. The first clinic of the year will be held this coming Saturday, May 12, at Clark Park in Detroit.

Age-appropriate vaccinations protecting against distemper, parvovirus, rabies and other deadly diseases will be provided a rate of $3 for each shot. Microchipping is also available at a discounted rate of $10 per animal. Pet license vouchers, redeemable at Detroit Animal Control, will also be available at a reduced rate for Detroit residents: $10 for an unsterilized pet and $5 for a sterilized pet.

The 2012 "Protect-A-Pet" clinics will operate on the following Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• May 12: Clark Park in Detroit, south of Vernor on the Scotten side of the park.
• June 2: Balduck Park in Detroit, 4 blocks south of Moross.
• June 23: Palmer Park in Detroit, 7 Mile Road and Woodward Ave.
• July 14: Stoepel #1 Park in Detroit, south of Outer Drive and east of Evergreen.

Services will be limited to 800 animals per clinic. All animals must be on leashes or in carriers, and payment will be accepted in cash only.

Since the program's inception in 1991, the "Protect-A-Pet" clinics have provided approximately 60,000 animals with life-saving vaccinations and pet owners with peace of mind through microchipping.

In order to ensure that the clinics are utilized by those in greatest need, pet owners are asked to present proof of low income. One of the following must be presented in order to qualify to receive services:

Proof of Unemployment Compensation
SOM Medicaid or Medical Assistance card
FIP (Family Independence Program)
Social Security Disability
Food stamps or a Bridge Card
WIC
For more information, visit www.michiganhumane.org or call 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.