Free Pet Vaccines and Microchips on World Rabies Day

HCPH is the local public health agency for the Harris County, Texas jurisdiction. It provides a wide variety of public health activities and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Harris County community. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 25, 2026 Stronger Together: Free Pet Vaccine Event Marks World Rabies Day Harris County Public Health highlights rabies prevention amid increased exposures nationwide HOUSTON – In recognition of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Harris County Pets (HCP) are encouraging community members to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies. C oordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), this year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” emphasizes that preventing and eliminating rabies requires communities, public health agencies, veterinary professionals, and other partners to work together. I n the spirit of this year’s theme, Harris County Pets and Harris County Precinct 2 will host a free pet vaccination and microchip event on Monday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Flukinger Community Center, 16003 Lorenzo St., Channelview, TX 77530. Free services will include: •Rabies vaccines •DHPP vaccines for dogs, which protect against distemper, parvovirus, and other serious diseases •FVRCP vaccines for cats, which protect against respiratory illnesses and other serious diseases •Microchips Services are limited to 200 pets and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets must be at least 3 months old, with a limit of two pets per household. The event comes as public health officials report increased rabies exposure concerns nationwide. On Sept. 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory following reports of increases in human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals in multiple U.S. jurisdictions. From July through August 2026, CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It can spread to people and pets through bites and scratches from an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal, making prevention and prompt medical care after a potential exposure critical. 2 According to the CDC, more than 90% of reported rabies cases in animals occur in wildlife, most commonly bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. About 100,000 Americans receive rabies post- exposure prophylaxis each year following a potential exposure. Community members can help prevent rabies by keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations and avoiding contact with wildlife. Anyone who is bitten, scratched, or may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and promptly contact a health care provider or public health department for guidance. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, avoid contact and report it to your Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA). In unincorporated Harris County, HCPH Veterinary Public Health (VPH) serves as the LRCA and can be reached at 281-999-3191. For more information about rabies prevention and how to protect yourself and your pets, visit hcphtx.org/VPH. To learn more about Harris County Pets and available veterinary services, visit CountyPets.com. ###