WOODBURY — A part of the veterinary science course is learning about types of diseases that can affect animals, one of which is the most known is rabies. 

“Healthy pets are crucial,” said Jesse Hungerford, the veterinary science teacher at Nonnewaug High School. “It is only $20 and it is a worthwhile, long-lasting, and low-cost vaccine which benefits the community financially and [helps] their pets stay healthy and supplies them with documentation of the eliminating the spread of the rabies disease. This clinic helps benefit small communities.”

In hopes to help the impact of eliminating the disease, Nonnewaug students have set up the low-cost rabies clinic, which is on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing members of the community to vaccinate against the disease at any income level. 

“The rabies clinic benefits the community,” said Veronika Depaula, a Nonnewaug senior in veterinary science. “By keeping the animals protected from rabies it’s a cheaper option for people who do not have the financial means to go to the veterinary office.” 

Veterinary science students are very involved in the preparation of the rabies clinic and feel strongly about the clinic since rabies vaccination status is such an immense issue. 

“Rabies vaccines are a legal requirement for all animals but can be very expensive in vet offices,” said Victoria Koether, a senior veterinary science student. “So having the low-cost rabies clinic allows people who can not afford a vet office to get their animals safely and professionally vaccinated.”

Not only does this clinic offer vaccinations, which are done by Dr. Stone of Stone Veterinary Hospital located in Watertown, but it also offers nail trimming services along with grooming services, such as ear washes and paw pad trimming . These services are new this year and will be hosted through Natural Pet Oasis. 

Nonnewaug High School’s veterinary science program has become associated with Whiskers Pet Rescue, allowing the class to be able to foster pregnant cats to help learn more about animal gestation. In return, the veterinary science class hopes to raise money and donations for Whiskers to help benefit their rescue. 

“Many people can donate items, such as cat food, litter, toys, and so much more to help give to Whiskers,” Hungerford said. “During our event anyone who donates an item will receive a raffle ticket for luxury dog and cat pet care baskets, made with love from my veterinary science students.” 

The clinic is by walk-in only and on a first-come, first-serve basis, which allows as many patients to be seen as possible. And all cats and dogs must be either leashed or in carriers; no off-leash animals are allowed so the event can be kept safe and free of incidents. 

“By minimizing the interaction between patients, it maximizes the event’s productivity and keeps animals safe from unpleasant interactions by keeping them in carriers and leashed at all times,” Hungerford said. “We have so much more than just a rabies clinic going on; we have a donation drive along with grooming services and FFA plant sale events, so by keeping animals safe and from getting lost, it keeps other potential customers comfortable and safe.” 

This event impacts so much more than just the Woodbury FFA. 

“People should come to the clinic to support the Woodbury FFA as well as local communities,” Koether said. “[Local communities] always support our community at the Woodbury FFA and we should help return to them. They should also come to better their animals and keep them safe.”