The McCracken County Humane Society will be hosting a drive-thru format vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2p.m.

“All vaccines are preventative and important,” Dr. Niki Henderson, the Humane Society’s veterinarian, said. “Most of the illnesses the vaccines prevent can be fatal to your pet.”

The Humane Society wants to make necessary vaccines more accessible to the general public through this biannual event.

A wide range of vaccines are being offered for both cats and dogs. Dogs can receive a five-way vaccine for viruses, kennel cough (Bordetella), one-year rabies, a bundle package with all three and microchipping. Cats can receive a four-way vaccine for viruses, one-year rabies, a bundle package with both and microchipping.

“We offer these lifesaving vaccines at a tremendous discount to the community as part of our public service in animal health,” Henderson said.

Prices range from $15-$50, depending on the vaccine.

“Two times a year we are doing a low-cost vaccine clinic for the public,” The Humane Society’s executive director, Traci Phelps, said. “It’s drive-thru style.”

Since the organization is still open to the public for adoptions during the clinic, this format allows for parking and smooth operation for both.

“What we found was that everybody was parking, getting out, walking their dogs and it was just chaotic,” Phelps said. “There were dogs that, at this point, they were unvaccinated because they’re waiting to get their vaccines.”

One outcome of COVID was the normalization of more curbside services. Phelps used this opportunity to make events like this clinic more efficient.

“Rabies are required by law,” Phelps said. “A lot of people won’t go to a vet to do it because, when you go to a vet, they want to do an exam, a new patient fee, you know, all the other stuff. It’s just a lot of cost. We’re not doing exams. We’re just doing the basic vaccines and microchipping.”

Administering vaccines to pets is crucial to their safety, other pets’ safety and the community.

“We give them their order form, so they have a copy of their record,” Phelps said. “So, they can take that to their vet and say, ‘Hey, we went to a vaccine clinic. They’re up to date on their vaccines.’ And they’re responsible for hanging onto that as part of their pet record.”

This precaution is another way to ensure stray pets brought in by animal control are vaccinated and safe.

Phelps said it’s important to prepare for a wait at the event on Saturday.

“Dogs have to be on a nonretractable leash, and cats have to be in carriers,” Phelps said. “Because the wait times can be a while in the car, make sure [pets] potty before they get in.”

It’s also crucial to ensure cars have plenty of gas before entering the line. Pet owners should bring toys and snacks for antsy pets.

“This whole field out here, if they’re in line and they know their animal needs to go potty, that’s fine, that’s allowed,” Phelps said. “Maybe bring a poop bag with you if you think your dog has to go.”

Preparation for this clinic includes ordering an abundance of vaccines in advance. The number is derived from past clinics. Phelps is expecting around 200 vaccines to be given on Saturday. They also print plenty of forms, gather pens and clipboards for paperwork, sanitary materials, payment materials and more before the event.

“We’ve done so many at this point that we all kind of know who’s doing what day of,” Phelps said. “It’s not a lot of, ‘Oh, what am I supposed to be doing?’”

Phelps will be back and forth directing traffic and making sure things like adoptions are still running smoothly. Team members will be making copies of forms and taking payments with Dr. Henderson and her assistant giving vaccines.

Phelps and her team have worked to bring more events and education regarding pet health, safety and more to the community. They also accept volunteers in anything they’re willing to help with.

“If someone wants to help out with an event or they want to come walk dogs or socialize with cats or help with laundry, you name it, there’s always stuff to do,” Phelps said. “They just come in and fill out a volunteer form.”

Phelps said any help is appreciated and necessary. As a no-kill facility, they do not euthanize for space. This means the kennels are almost always completely full unless people are adopting. Volunteering to socialize with the animals or take dogs for walks allows them a sense of normalcy while waiting to be adopted.

“Yes, it helps us, but it helps them, too,” Phelps said. “It gets those dogs out of here to just be a dog.”

Something as simple as a car ride is helpful for information the team can give to interested parties searching for a new pet.

“We don’t know how half of them ride,” Phelps said. “Taking them out lets us know if they need special attention before they’re taken home.”

The McCracken County Humane Society does screenings before each adoption, making sure people know the cost and effort it takes to care for an animal, young or elderly. They also offer foster programs to allow potential owners to see if an animal’s behavior fits with their lifestyle.

All forms of payment are accepted, with the exception of checks. QR codes will be provided for those who wish to pay with Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal. The clinic is a first come, first served service.

“Just be patient and just know we will get to everybody,” Phelps said. “If it goes past 2 o’clock and you’re still in line and we still have vaccines, we’re going to do it.”

Phelps said the best way to help from home is to share their events posted on Facebook.