Dog and cat vaccinations, Ephrata dog licenses available Saturday

EPHRATA — Microchipping and some vaccinations will be available for cat and dog owners, and Ephrata residents will be able to purchase discounted dog licenses, at an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW.

The event is hosted by the Ephrata Police Department, ARFS of Grant County, Hands ‘N Paws of Grant County and Petco Love.

All vaccinations and microchipping will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonnie Helvey, ARFS Grant County director, said 200 rabies vaccinations will be available, paid for with a grant from the Columbia Basin Foundation. The rabies vaccinations will be good for one year.

In addition, 300 DAPPy canine vaccinations - which protect against multiple viruses in dogs - and 200 HCP feline vaccinations will be available, Helvey said. They were donated by Petco Love, according to a press release from the EPD.

The vaccinations are free of charge, but donations will be accepted. There is a charge for microchipping.

“This is our first event,” Helvey said.

Heather Rhoades of the EPD said Ephrata residents will be able to buy lifetime licenses for their cats or dogs at a discounted price. Licenses for spayed or neutered dogs will be $22.50, and $45 for unspayed and unneutered dogs, on Saturday only. The city doesn’t require licenses for cats, she said.

Retired veterinarian Ken Westrope and veterinarian Dick Maier, owner of Pioneer Veterinary Clinic in Moses Lake, have volunteered to administer the vaccinations.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.