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Press Releases

Press releases older than 90 days can be found in the Archived News listing (see link below).

MCAC to host fall low-cost rabies vaccination clinics

Post Date:08/18/2025 4:00 PM

August 18, 2025
Media Contact:
McHenry County Department of Health
Nick Kubiak, Community Information Coordinator

McHenry County Animal Control to host low-cost rabies vaccination & microchip clinics for cats and dogs in fall

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) is excited to host three low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip drive-thru clinics for cats and dogs this fall  –  Tuesday, September 16 (dogs only); Tuesday, September 23 (dogs only); and Tuesday, October 7 (cats only) – at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, located at 11900 Country Club Road in Woodstock.

These clinics are by appointment only. Registration for available clinic dates and times can be completed here. Residents with questions can call (815) 459-6222.

Cash is the only form of payment accepted at the clinics. Clinics are available for both cats and dogs, and will be offered on the following days and hours:

  • Tuesday, September 16 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (dogs only)
  • Tuesday, September 23 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (dogs only)
  • Tuesday, October 7 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (cats only)

Special package pricing is being offered for fixed (spayed or neutered) animals. All animals attending one of the clinics will be microchipped unless a previous microchip is registered or scanned during the event.

Special package pricing for fixed (spayed or neutered) animals:

  • Dogs: Microchip, 1-year vaccination and registration – $20
  • Cats: Microchip, 1-year vaccination and registration – $15

Intact animals (not spayed or neutered) can still attend the clinics, with the costs being $15 for a 1-year vaccination. Registration is a separate fee. Intact animals receiving a vaccination will also receive a free microchip unless previously microchipped.

There is a limit of three animals per vehicle. Each cat must arrive in its own approved carrier, with only one animal per carrier. All dogs must be leashed when arriving for their appointments. Please do not bring animals that are in heat. Information about bite history for dogs that are easily stressed will be requested when making an appointment. Owners are responsible for putting a muzzle on any dog that needs one prior to their appointment.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of animals and humans and is fatal once symptoms appear. A change in an animal’s behavior is often the first sign of rabies in a pet. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame, and it may lose fear of people and become docile or become excited and irritable.

As we enter the fall months, we strongly urge adults to educate children about avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals and to immediately inform an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal. Any animal bites or encounters with animals suspected of having rabies should be reported to the MCAC at (815) 459-6222.

For more information about rabies, registration fees, and microchips, please visit bit.ly/MCDHAnimalControl.

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