INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The inaugural Dogtoberfest that was scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled because of wet grounds caused by Hurricane Irma.
The Sept. 23 event was going to be held outside of the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County’s 38-acre campus on 77th Street in Vero Beach. The campus is south of the Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo Center.
“Right now, the grounds are mostly wet,” said Janet Winikoff, director of education for the agency. “We want to get everything dried out.”
Winikoff also said the agency is more focused on helping animals in the community and at the shelter, especially after Hurricane Irma.
During Irma, the agency housed 349 animals including dogs, cats, gerbils, bunnies, birds and livestock, and their caretakers for three days. The agency staff and volunteers also worked around the clock to care for special needs pets in need of medication and specialized care.
The agency also co-organized and managed the county’s only pet-friendly shelter at Liberty Magnet School.
In the days leading up to Hurricane Irma, the agency gave away all of its crates to house animals at the pet-friendly shelter and others in need of crates. Special stackable crates are needed to replenish the supply.
Those interested in helping the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County with rebuilding its supply of crates and other storm preparedness items should visit the agency website.
FREE DRIVE-THRU RABIES VACCINE CLINIC
Dog and cat owners in Indian River County can get free rabies vaccinations this Sunday at the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County.
The agency will host the vaccination event form 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the shelter, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, officials said. The event is being held in conjunction with World Rabies Day, an international campaign created by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to remove rabies worldwide.
Two-hundred rabies vaccinations will be given on a first come, first serve basis. These free one-year rabies vaccinations will be given to dogs and cats 16 weeks of age or older.
Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers. Pet owners must show proof of being a resident in the county.
Those who want more information should call 772-388-3331 at extension 110 or visit the agency’s website.
