Area pet owners will have an opportunity to obtain inexpensive rabies vaccinations for their dogs and cats Saturday, Dec. 7, as the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League hosts a Rabies Vaccination Clinic for the public’s animals from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at PetSense on 937 Brookway Boulevard in Brookhaven.

Also on Saturday, BARL also will be holding their annual Pet Photos with Santa fundraiser at the same time and location.

Licensed veterinarian, Dr. Johnna McRee, of Animal Medical Center, is donating her time to administer the rabies vaccinations.

Each vaccination will be $5 per animal, which is a significant savings for the public. Mississippi statute 41-53-1 requires that dogs and cats over the age of three months have their rabies vaccinations.

All dogs and cats coming to Saturday’s event must be on a leash on in a carrier. In addition, Dr. McRee will go to pet owners’ vehicles to administer the vaccination if needed.

“This is an excellent way for people who own multiple animals, including packs of hunting dogs, to get their animals inoculated against rabies at a great savings in price,” said Rusty Adcock, BARL board member.

The Rabies Vaccination Clinics are a program of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, and clinics are held all over the state.

Also on Saturday, jolly ole, red-suited Santa will also visit with pets inside PetSense. Photo packages start at $10 and will be available for pick-up at PetSense on Monday, Dec. 9. Photography services are donated by Jeanne Wroten.

BARL volunteers also will be onsite with adoptable cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. Adoption fees of $75 for dogs and $65 for cats include a vet check, tests, worming, current vaccinations and spay/neuter. Dogs are also microchipped.

BARL is in need of volunteers to assist at the Saturday event. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact BARL at (601) 757-4367 or info@barl.net.

BARL is as a nonprofit, limited-admission animal welfare group. The volunteer-based organization serves Copiah, Franklin and Lincoln counties.

BARL also is offering $20 sterilizations for dogs owned by families on Medicaid, Food Stamps, Disability and/or Unemployment benefits. Participants must live within the city of Brookhaven.

Qualifying residents can call one of the following clinics to set up their pet’s spay/neuter surgery: Animal Medical Center, (601) 833-0589; Brookhaven Animal Hospital, (601) 833-1223 Larkin Veterinary Clinic, (601) 384-5999. The program is made possible thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities®.

BARL provides food, shelter and veterinary services for abandoned, orphaned and unwanted animals until they are adopted. All BARL animals are vet checked, vaccinated and spayed/neutered. Dogs are also micro-chipped.

Anyone interested in adopting, contributing or volunteering should contact BARL at 601-757-4367 or info@barl.net. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P.O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603.

Many of BARL’s adoptable animals may be viewed online at www.barl.net.