Two local nonprofits teamed up to provide low-cost rabies and distemper vaccines, as well as microchips, for cats and dogs during a clinic Sunday at Natrona Community Park.

Volunteers from Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley and The Building Block of Natrona guided cars through a drive-thru-style clinic at the park. Pet owners drove to the vaccination site, leaving their dogs and cats in the car until it was their turn.

The staff offered rabies vaccines for $15, distemper vaccines for $20 and microchips for $20 — with a $5 discount for pet owners who got all three.

Betsy Kennon, a retired veterinarian, volunteered to administer rabies and distemper vaccines — as well as microchips — for cats and dogs at Natrona Community Park this morning during a clinic hosted by Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley and Building Block of Natrona. pic.twitter.com/9JtPEgU6XP

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“I’m of the firm belief that even if you’re not economically well-off, having a pet is a real bonus. It’s a real benefit to people of mental health, emotional health. Pets are just good for all kinds of things,” said Betsy Kennon, a retired veterinarian who volunteers her expertise to Animal Protectors. “This way, we can help the community. People can have their pets, have them well-cared-for, have them protected against these diseases, identified with the microchips at a relatively low cost.”

Ashley Booher of New Kensington brought her Great Dane, Dutchess, for rabies and distemper vaccines.

“We came over because this is so much more affordable than going to the vet,” she said, adding she anticipated the same services at a veterinarian’s office could cost as much as $200.

Plus, she said, it was easier for Dutchess to ride up to the site than wait in a veterinarian’s waiting room with other pets.

“This is just more convenient,” she said. “It was more relaxed for her.”

It’s important to bring services such as these into the community, where people can easily bring their pets without worrying about traveling long distances or paying hefty vet bills, said Tricia Ritchie, founder and president of The Building Block of Natrona.

“This is bringing the service directly to the people,” she said.

This is the third year the two nonprofits have teamed up for such a clinic, which was staffed mostly by volunteers.

Last year, they serviced more than 100 pets through the event, said Phyllis Framel, who serves as the president of Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley’s board of directors.

“It’s just important to serve all areas of our community, especially underserved areas,” she said.

The services provided are important ones, Kennon said. Rabies vaccines, she explained, keep pets healthy and also protect humans in the event of an animal biting a person. Distemper vaccines also are necessary for healthy pets, she said.

Microchipping is a key way to identify lost animals, Kennon explained, adding that even indoor cats and well-trained pets can escape.

Plus, giving back to the community and helping animals can be a boost for volunteers, Kennon said.

“I really like it, because I’m filling a need. There’s a huge need,” she said. “It feels good.”

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