April 23, 2026
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 spring

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center (MCAC) will host three low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip drive-thru clinics for cats and dogs this spring at 100 N. Virginia Street in Crystal Lake.

The clinics will be held on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, May 19 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (dogs only)
• Saturday, May 30 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (cats and dogs)
• Tuesday, June 9 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (cats only)

Cash is the only form of payment accepted at these clinics. 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.

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.

Pricing includes a one-year rabies vaccination, one-year registration, and a microchip if the animal does not already have one or it cannot be located:

• Fixed dogs: $30
• Unfixed dogs: $55
• Fixed cats: $20
• Unfixed cats: $30

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 & become docile or become excited and irritable.

As warmer weather brings more outdoor activity, residents are encouraged to remind children to avoid approaching unfamiliar animals and to tell an adult right away if they are bitten or scratched. 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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