Animal Protectors to offer rabies clinic but major fundraisers later in year still in limbo

Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is offering its first public event at its new facility in New Kensington — a drive-through rabies clinic on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The shelter’s new Church Street facility has been closed to public events during the pandemic, but a rabies clinic is a must-do public service, said board President Phyllis Framel.

“Rabies shots are critical to animals and to the health of the community,” she said.

The safest way for Animal Protectors to offer the clinic and follow CDC guidelines is for the public to stay in their cars while shelter staff usher pets to the facility for their rabies shots and other services, she said.

Masks and social distancing are required. The shelter will accept cash only for the following services during the clinic: $15 one-year rabies vaccine, animal must be at least three months old; $20 for distemper shot, and $20 to implant a microchip. All three services are available for $50. Flea and tick as well as de-worming treatments are $10 each.

Any resident can bring their pet and appointments are not necessary. All dogs must be on a leash that is not re-tractable and cats must be in a carrier.

Framel looks forward to when the pandemic eases so the new $1.8 million shelter can hold a public opening celebration, giving the public an opportunity to tour the new facility.

The shelter is still adopting out pets by appointment. Animals are moving through the facility to forever homes at a brisk pace, Framel said. Many of the cats are in foster homes but more kittens are arriving at the shelter. The public can visit the shelter’s website or Facebook page to learn more about the animals currently up for adoption.

Animal Protectors are still able to present some of their fundraisers online like virtual bingo, Framel said. However, the nonprofit had to cancel some popular events such as Chocolate Paws, a quirky and popular local event for chocolate connoisseurs.

“We will need the money from the larger fundraisers typically scheduled in late summer and fall but no decision has been made yet, those events are on hold,” Framel said.

According to the Nonprofit Leadership Center, cancelled fundraising events were the number one concern for nonprofits leaders in a 2020 survey. Nearly half of those surveyed expected to meet or exceed their revenue goal while the other half expects to still operate, with some needing help from other agencies and services.