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What is Rabies, and why does my pet need a rabies vaccine?

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Humans can contract rabies from the bite of an animal infected with rabies. Any wild mammal, like a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bat can have rabies and transmit it to people and other animals. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals may also contract and transmit rabies. Protect your pets against rabies and get them vaccinated!

Rabies vaccinations are required by law for all dogs over three months of age in Arizona. While it is not required for a cat to receive a rabies vaccination, it is encouraged.

Reminder: All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in a secure carrier (1 cat per carrier). All animals must be in good health and at least three months of age. Animals must be brought in by their legal owner, over the age of 18. Licenses are available for $17 for sterilized dogs, and $42 for un-sterilized dogs. Bring your animal’s last rabies vaccination certificate, if you have one. Click here for a complete list of rules and information regarding UPU no-cost rabies vaccine clinics.

Why should I spay or neuter my pet?

Maricopa County has the 2nd largest municipal shelter in the country. An average of 150 pets enters our facilities each day. That means we impound roughly 55,000 pets each year! Tremendous efforts are made to place these animals in loving homes. However, not every homeless pet finds a forever home. That is why MCACC believes strongly in reducing the pet overpopulation problem. MCACC is dedicated to increasing the adoption rate and educating the public on their responsibilities as pet owners. Spaying and neutering is high on our list of priorities, as we believe it is the main way to reduce the number of unwanted pets. We feel it is important to offer no-cost spay/neuter services to the community to help solve this devastating problem.

The reasons for spaying and neutering are compelling:

• Help reduce pet overpopulation and the resulting mass euthanasia and neglect.
• Eliminate messy and annoying heat cycles.
• Avoid unwelcome visitors fighting on the lawn, accidental pregnancies, unwanted puppies and kittens, and expense.
• Males and their owners are spared roaming and fighting, and the resulting injuries, spread of disease, and expenses.
• Better-behaved pets! Neutered pets rarely spray or mark, roam, or fight.
• Save on veterinary bills! Neutered males don't develop testicular cancer or the prostate problems common in intact dogs. Females spayed before their first heat cycle have 96.4% less mammary cancer, a common cause of death. They have no risk of uterine infection, uterine cancer, or the many complications associated with pregnancy, whelping, or raising a litter.

Myth:   It will make my dog fat.
Truth:  Spay/neuter does not make your pet fat. Lack of exercise and overfeeding make your pet fat.

Myth:   It will change my pet's personality and he will no longer be a "man."
Truth:  Spay/neuter does not change your pet’s identity or personality. Intact pets seek mates instinctively and will live more relaxed and happier lives when sterilized.

Myth:   The surgery is too stressful.
Truth:  Spay/neuter surgery is less stressful than a constant urge to roam in search of a mate. It is also less stressful than having litter after litter of puppies or kittens.

Reminder: Check-In begins at 6am, but customers line up much earlier. The event is first come, first served. Only 2 pets per household are allowed. No food/water after 10 p.m. the night before surgery. Cats must weigh at least 2 pounds. No herniated pets. No cryptorchid males (retained testicles). No pregnant or in-heat females. All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in a secure carrier (1 cat per carrier). Animals must be brought in by their legal owner, over the age of 18. Purchase of a $17 license is required for all dogs receiving surgery. Click here for a complete list of rules and information regarding UPU no-cost spay/neuter clinics.

The law in Arizona requires that all dogs over the age of three months have a license and rabies vaccination. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control licenses dogs in all unincorporated areas in Maricopa County and all other municipalities within Maricopa County with the exception of Fountain Hills and Native American reservations. Dog licenses are good for one year from the date of the rabies vaccination.

Dog owners can purchase the required Maricopa County Dog License at the rabies vaccination clinics and they must do so at all UPU spay/neuter clinics. License fees are $17 for sterilized dogs ($6 for sterilized dogs owned by senior citizens, ages 65+), and $42 for un-sterilized dogs. Click here to license your dog online.

Help your pet find its way home!

We use Home Again^TM to microchip your pet. MCACC automatically registers your information and your pet’s microchip ID with Home Again. This safe and permanent identification system is recommended for all pets.

The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and cannot be removed. All animals that are brought to us are scanned for microchip information. The microchip is inserted under the scruff area between the animal’s shoulders. Microchip scanners are used by the Arizona Humane Society, veterinarians, and some pure breed rescue groups.

Cost of microchipping is $25.00 and is offered at all Uno Por Uno vaccination and spay/neuter clinics.