While humans are focused on pumpkins, costumes and chillier temperatures in October, their pets can be in a “spooky” spirit, too. In the middle of National Animal Safety and Protection Month, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) is urging City residents to take pet ownership seriously and providing free resources to ensure the safety of people and pets alike.
“Pets are just as much a part of our thriving community as their owners,” said Tony Schendel, director of MACC. “It’s a big responsibility to care for our four-legged friends, and we’re making it a little easier to provide a safe space and environment for our pets.”
Schendel and the MACC team are providing the top three ways to ring in National Animal Safety and Protection Month:
Tip 1: Free vaccinations: On Wednesday, Oct. 22, MACC is hosting a free vaccination clinic for Minneapolis dogs and cats from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. No appointments are necessary to get animals vaccinated for rabies and distemper, which also comes with free microchipping. All told, that’s approximately a $120 value. The vaccinations are paid for through a $4,000 “Subaru Loves Pets” grant. Animal owners can also get a free pet license, which is required in the City of Minneapolis. License fees will be donated by a MACC partner, My Pit Bull Is Family.
“This is just one more way we can help keep people and pets together,” said Shannon Glenn, executive director of My Pit Bull is Family. “When we make things like pet licensing easier and more accessible, we remove barriers that can separate families from the animals they love. Everything we do comes back to that simple mission—keeping people and their pets together.”
Tip 2: Bat season awareness: The rabies vaccine is necessary because now is prime season for bats. If infected by rabies, a bat exposure to an animal can be fatal. Regardless of vaccination status, pets should visit a regular veterinary office or community clinic for a rabies booster within 72 hours of an exposure or bite. There could be a time of confinement and/or quarantine for a varied length of time. MACC’s policy will have the pet impounded if it is unvaccinated and exposed to a bat until the bat in question is tested and has a negative result. If people have any questions about bats or need MACC’s assistance, they should call 612-673-6222. People can also call the Minnesota Animal Bites and Rabies Hotline at 651-201-5414 or toll free at 1-877-676-5414.
Tip 3: Knowledge of pet food donation scams: Pet owners can be vulnerable to a host of scams, especially ones they prey on a person’s compassionate side. The latest con is called “Annie’s Rescue.” Fraudsters post photographs on social media of dogs who appear to be malnourished (several of the photos have been found to be AI-generated). They ask people for dog food because their animals are starving – or ask for donations via PayPal – to help feed the fake pets. MACC says any legitimate rescue or organization will never ask for money over the phone or over PayPal.
“This time of year doesn’t have to be scary,” said Schendel. “If people take care of their pets, and stay aware of any dangers, pet ownership can be a really fun experience this time of year. We just want people to be aware so they can keep their beloved pets safe.”
Photos courtesy of KME Photography.