Beginning April 10, McHenry County pet owners whose companion animals are or will be due for their rabies vaccines can register for the McHenry County Animal Control low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinics.

The MCAC will be holding a few drive-thru clinics throughout spring at its location, 100 N. Virginia Street in Crystal Lake. These clinics are by appointment only, and registration is available online. Residents with questions can call (815) 459-6222. 

Cash is the only form of payment accepted at the clinics. Rabies clinics for cats and dogs will be offered on the following days:

Clinics for McHenry County dogs:

• May 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.
• June 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Clinics for McHenry County cats:

• May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.

All dogs must be leashed, and all cats must be in a carrier when arriving for their appointments. Please do not bring animals that are in heat. Information about bite history or 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.

Adults should encourage children to avoid touching unfamiliar animals and to immediately tell an adult if they have been bitten or scratched by an animal. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies should be reported to the MCAC at (815) 459-6222.

“Keeping up on your pet’s rabies vaccinations not only helps to keep your pet safe, but it also keeps our communities safe,” said Maryellen Howell, MCDH’s Director of Animal Control. “This is especially true as we move toward the time of year when our pets spend more time outside and they are more likely to come into contact with wildlife.”

For more information about rabies, registration fees and microchips, please visit MCAC's website.