As March approaches I want to remind everyone that the deadline for registering your pets with your municipality is fast approaching.

The good news is that we finally have a schedule for free rabies vaccine clinics in Cumberland County. The clinics are being held much later than usual and although they are not being held in all towns, you do not need to be a resident of the municipality in which the clinics are being held.

The schedule includes:

• Leesburg Fire Department, 550 Main St., 9 to 11 a.m. March 5.
• Millville Fire Department, 420 Buck St., noon to 3 p.m. March 5.
• Cedarville Fire Department, 30 Maple Ave., 9 to 11 a.m. March 19.
• Hopewell Municipal Building, 590 Shiloh Pike, noon to 2 p.m. March 19.
• Laurel Lake Fire Department, Battle Lane, noon to 3 p.m. April 2.
• Fairfield Township Municipal Complex, 70 Fairton-Gouldtown Road, Fairton, 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 3.
• Bridgeton Dog Pavilion, Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 3.

For the safety of the animals as well as people, please make sure that your pets are properly secured and under your control at all times.

For dogs, check that their collars can’t slip over their heads. A training collar or harness may be best to ensure your dog does not get loose. They should also be on short leashes that only allow enough slack for them to stand directly at your side and do not allow them approach other dogs. Never use extendable leashes at these type of events.

Cats should always be in actual pet carriers. Prior to placing cats in those carriers, ensure that all screws, clips, zippers and fasteners of any type are absolutely secure. These type of events, where other animals are present can be very stressful for cats; placing a towel or light blanket over the carrier may be helpful in helping them feel safe and reducing their anxiety.

While you’re in the process of updating your pet’s vaccine, take a minute to ensure they also have proper identification with your current contact information.

Rabies tags are registered with your town, but they don’t help if they’re not attached to your pet’s collar.

Microchips are still the safest form of identification and are available at the shelter or at your veterinarian’s office.

Source: It’s time to register your pets with your municipality; rabies vaccine clinics announced