Cook County Kicks Off 2023 Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

County’s Animal and Rabies Control hosts first clinic on Saturday, April 15

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is kicking off its 2023 Partners in Prevention clinics beginning Saturday, April 15. Through early November, ARC is partnering with local animal organizations to offer low-cost or free 1-year rabies and distemper vaccines in addition to microchips. These partnerships ultimately link pet owners to organizations in their area for year-round pet care, helping to create a healthier pet community.

There are over 30 clinics currently scheduled on Saturdays throughout the coming months. ARC used data from Cook County’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to help determine some of this year’s clinic locations, which ranks elements such as socioeconomic status, age, potential language barriers, housing type and access to a vehicle.

“Protecting our pets against a preventable but potentially deadly virus is essential,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am grateful to the County’s partners for coming together to ensure our pet population receives these vital vaccines.”

ARC reminds residents that rabies is always fatal to unvaccinated pets and is a preventable virus that causes inflammation of the brain in mammals. Rabies vaccines are required by law.

“Providing free or low-cost access to rabies vaccines is one way the County limits transmission,” said Animal and Rabies Control Administrator Mamadou Diakhate. “Last year, we administered nearly 5,500 rabies vaccines and over 3,000 microchips to County pets. This critical program offers an affordable way to keep pets healthy and safe.”

ARC is partnering with the following organizations to host rabies vaccine and microchip clinics for cats and dogs:

• Chicago Animal Care and Control
• Chicago Wolves
• Evanston Animal Shelter
• Heartland Animal Shelter
• South Suburban Humane Society
• The Anti-Cruelty Society
• Tree House Humane Society

View the complete list of rabies vaccine and microchip clinics in an interactive map on ARC’s webpage: www.cookcountyil.gov/service/low-cost-rabies-clinic