Habersham County’s annual free pet clinic, a collaborative effort between the Habersham County Animal Shelter and Planned Pethood, was a resounding success this past Saturday, serving more than 300 pets.
The clinic, which ran from 9 a.m. to noon at the Habersham County Fairgrounds, provided a variety of essential services to pet owners in the community.
Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix expressed her satisfaction with the turnout. She noted that at the event’s start, pet owners stretched from the pavilion, through the lower parking lot at the fairgrounds, all the way to GA 17. “It was a fantastic turnout,” Nix said, adding that the event had a slightly slow start due to setup but quickly gained momentum and proceeded smoothly for the rest of the day.
Affordability
Planned Parenthood Outreach Coordinator Leaf Wood explained that the Habersham County Animal Shelter knows the community needs and distributed the “golden ticket” to those that needed the services provided at the free clinic.
She highlighted the importance of the event in meeting the community’s needs. “We’re trying to serve people who have a hard time affording these services or those whose animals have never seen a vet,” Wood said. “This clinic ensures that these pets get caught up with their necessary vaccinations and treatments.”
The free clinic offered essential services at no charge, including rabies and distemper vaccines—core vaccines for both cats and dogs. In addition to the vaccinations, pet owners were given free flea and tick medication, microchip services, and spay and neuter vouchers. The vouchers, redeemable at Planned Pethood’s Duluth office, fully cover the cost of the surgery for qualifying pet owners.
The event continues to be a vital resource for the community. It provides care and assistance to pets and their owners who might otherwise face barriers to veterinary care.
