City offers Low Cost Clinic as parvo and distemper cases continue to rise

Parvovirus and distemper cases continue to rise across the borderland and the Animal Services Department wants to help combat these diseases by sponsoring a low cost microchip, rabies and parvo/distemper vaccine, and licensing clinic scheduled for this Sunday, March 20.

The event will be held from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Animal Services Socorro Road facility located at 9060 Socorro Road.

“We continue to see cases of parvo and distemper in our region, which is why it is so important for pet owners to get their animals vaccinated right now,” said Kurt Fenstermacher, Interim Animal Services Director. “This low cost clinic makes it affordable for residents to protect their pets from these dangerous diseases, potentially avoiding a tragic incident.”

For this event only, Animal Services will offer all four services (microchip, rabies vaccine, parvo/distemper vaccine, and license) for only $24. City code requires that all pets be licensed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

The services will be available on a first come, first served basis; the first 150 animals will be served. Exact cash or check only. Please bring dogs on a leash and have cats contained. Arrive early to avoid extended wait times. It is anticipated that some residents will begin to form a line prior to the 6 a.m. start time.

According to Animal Services Veterinarian, Dr. Marilyn Christensen, as the temperature begins to increase in our region, history has shown that parvovirus and other viruses like distemper will be on the rise as well. Not only are the temperatures ideal for the viruses, but the warmer weather encourages animals to congregate and generally be more active, increasing their chances for exposure.

Often times the issues seen at the animal shelter will mimic and/or predict what the rest of the general population is experiencing; currently the shelter is seeing an increase in parvovirus and distemper cases.

Staff at the Animal Services Shelter constantly sanitizes kennels during these episodes to combat the spread of the diseases at the facility. Animal Services reminds pet owners to make sure their pet is up to date with its vaccines. This is important for the animal’s own protection if it ends up visiting the shelter, but it is also important for the general population of El Paso’s animals.

For more information, visit Animal Services at EPAnimalServices.com or contact us at (915) 842-1000.