Please note that while both dog and cat services are offered through the VHS Clinic, these 3 new vaccines are specifically for dogs only.
The Vanderburgh Humane Society’s Davidson Rausch Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Vaccine Clinic is now offering 3 new vaccinations for dogs: Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease!
Leptospirosis, according to the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, is “a disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that can affect both animals and humans. In fact, it is currently the most common zoonotic disease in the world, that can be transmitted from animals to people.” It is often spread through common backyard wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and deer, so any dog who spends time outdoors for any reason (even just to go potty!) is at risk. Leptospirosis, also known as just “lepto,” is now considered a core annual vaccination that all dogs should get just like rabies and distemper-parvo.
The Lyme Disease vaccination protects against the same tickborne illness that humans can contract. It can affect dogs as well. According to AVMA, “Lyme disease cannot be spread directly among dogs and people. However, because people often share the same environments with their dogs, they can have similar risks of tick exposure.”
The third new vaccine is canine influenza, for dogs who might have multiple risk factors for exposure to this illness. The AVMA has more information on whether this vaccination may be right for your dog.
Amanda Coburn, VHS Director of Advancement says, “We’ve had clients requesting these vaccinations, or asking if we offer them, for several years now. So it’s exciting that we’ve finally been able to add them onto our list of services!”
The vaccinations are already offered as an add-on for spay/neuter appointments effective immediately. Spay/neuter appointments are offered Monday-Friday and are available online on a first-come first-serve basis. Information on these appointments can be found here!
These and other vaccines & services will be available at the VHS’ Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic beginning this Saturday, March 8th. The VHS’ Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic is held two Saturdays per month at their facility at 400 Millner Industrial Drive. It is only for pets who need annual vaccinations & testing, not spay/neuter or treatment for illness/injury. The next Vaccine Clinic is this Saturday, March 8th. Clients are seen first-come first-served and should arrive early prepared to wait after signing in. Pricing and details can be found here.
*[Please note that while both dog and cat services are offered through the VHS Clinic, these 3 new vaccines are specifically for dogs only. Cat services are listed on the website links above.]
As a reminder, the Clinic is a nonprofit program of the Vanderburgh Humane Society. As such, it is supported only through fees and donations from the general public to help keep services priced as low as possible.
Coburn also said, “Access to affordable preventative vet care is a huge obstacle that many families are facing right now. Our Clinic is saving lives by helping offer these services at a reasonable cost so that more pets can stay healthy, and avoid costly emergency vet visits later.”
To support the Clinic’s important work in 2025 and beyond, the public can make donations at www.give.vhslifesaver.org. Or they can also email giving@vhslifesaver.org to make gifts of stock or IRA distributions.