Santa Maria Sun / News

Be PetSafe

BY AMY ASMAN

On Aug. 29, Santa Barbara County Animal Services will be giving away some free swag to dogs and their people at the Project PetSafe Outreach Clinic. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wags n’ Whiskers Festival 2010 at Girsh Park in Goleta.

The clinic could be worth the drive for many North County residents—according to a press release, the following services will be available:

• Free six month county dog licenses for dogs that have never been licensed

• County dog license renewals (all late fees will be waived)

• Affordable vaccinations, including rabies, DHPP, and bordatella

• Micro-chipping for $20

• Information about affordable spay and neuter services

Appointments aren’t necessary, but all dogs must be leashed. Accepted forms of payment include cash (no bills larger than $50) and checks. Additionally, a current rabies certificate and written proof that the dog is spayed or neutered are required to obtain a dog license. Rabies vaccines are available at the clinic.

According to county officials, many dog owners don’t realize that state and local laws require all dogs older than four months to be licensed and wearing the tag.

“A license is your pet’s ticket home. When our Animal Services Officers rescue a pet wearing a license, we are able to take it directly home to its family,” Animal Services director Jan Glick said in the release. “Wearing a license tells everyone that your pet has an owner who wants to keep their pet safe.”

After the clinic, join fellow animal lovers at the Wags n’ Whiskers Festival sponsored by Care4Paws, starting at 11 a.m. There will be dogs, cats, and bunnies available for adoption from 17 different shelter and rescue groups, including the county’s three animal shelters.

For more information, visit care4paws.org or call the Project PetSafe Team at
934-6968.

News Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.