Notice: Spay and Neuter Clinic Appointments Delayed 2/22/2010
In anticipation of the move into our new facility, the Department of Animal Services Spay and Neuter Clinic will not be making appointments for the remainder of the month. Updates and an anticipated resumption schedule will be posted on the website in the near future.

Beginning Saturday, May 15, 2010, the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter will offer vaccination and microchip clinics on the third Saturday of every month.

The start time and duration of the clinics will be announced soon.

No appointment is necessary.

The shelter will also offer city and county dog licenses for sale during these shot clinics.

(951) 358-7387

Puppies

Your new puppy will need a series of vaccinations.

To insure proper immunity or protection from often fatal diseases such as Distemper and Parvo, it is important to complete the whole series.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: DA2PP (5 in 1 shot) & Bordatella (kennel cough)
• 10-12 weeks: DA2PP & Bordatella
• 16 weeks: DA2PP & Rabies*
• 1 year later: DA2PP, Bordatella & Rabies
• Annually: DA2PP & Bordatella
• Every 3 years: Rabies

* The initial rabies vaccination will need to be repeated in one year for both dogs and cats; discuss a vaccination plan with your veterinarian. Also, talk with your Veterinarian about other vaccines available.

Adult Dogs

If you have adopted an adult dog, they will receive a DA2PP (5 in 1 shot) from us at the time of adoption. We assume dogs that have come through our shelter have never been vaccinated. To insure proper immunity, they should be revaccinated for DA2PP in about 3-4 weeks, and then annually for DA2PP. First Rabies shot will be good for one year and every three years after 2nd vaccine. Attend one of our Saturday Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics or visit our Riverside shelter clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday 9am-12pm for walk-in vaccinations. In Coachella Valley, call Animal Samaritans for vaccination information at 760-343-3477.

Please Note, sign-ups for vaccinations may close prior to 12 noon if we experience a higher than usual demand on any particular day.

Yearly visits to the Veterinarian are important for checking the overall health of your companion and to update vaccines. Always consult with your Veterinarian if problems arise.

Identification tags/License tags are a must. If your dog becomes lost, this may be the only way for the two of you to be reunited. Microchips are another source of identification.

Obedience classes are a good way to bond with your new puppy or adult dog. Not only is it a learning and rewarding experience, but it"s great fun as well. Trainers can also give advice on how to deal with behavior problems such as digging, chewing, barking, etc. Ask your Veterinarian, or contact the Animal Shelter, for names of trainers in your area. Attend our Dog Problem Solving Classes at the shelter.

Most of all, be patient with your new adopted friend. Remember, they have just come from an extremely stressful environment and, if they could talk, would probably have a big story to tell about their journey. With a little time and love, they should adjust to their new home just fine.