Snake River Animal Shelter to host free pet vaccine clinic Saturday

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Pet owners in eastern Idaho will have the opportunity to get free vaccinations and microchips for their dogs and cats this weekend through a community clinic hosted by the Snake River Animal Shelter.

The shelter will provide free pet vaccines on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Idaho K9 Academy building next to the Snake River Animal Shelter. The clinic is part of Petco Love's "Vaccinated and Loved" initiative, a nationwide effort to prevent deadly but avoidable diseases in pets.

According to Snake River Animal Shelter, the free vaccines are made possible through Petco Love, a national nonprofit that has distributed more than 4 million free pet vaccines to animal welfare organizations across the country.

The clinic will offer DAPPv canine vaccines for dogs and HCP feline vaccines for cats on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter officials said they hope to vaccinate about 200 pets during the event.

In addition to vaccines, free microchips will be available for dogs and cats. The shelter said pets that do not already have a microchip will be required to receive one before being vaccinated.

Low-cost vaccinations will also be offered, including $20 rabies vaccines for dogs and cats and $15 Bordetella vaccines for dogs. Organizers said only cash or Venmo payments will be accepted for those services.

Snake River Animal Shelter Executive Director Michelle Ziel-Dingman said the partnership helps remove barriers that can prevent pet owners from accessing preventive care.

"Petco Love's partnership allows us to bring lifesaving vaccines directly to pet parents at no cost," Ziel-Dingman said in a statement. "Access to preventive care is critical. When we remove access barriers, more pets stay protected, and that benefits our entire community."

According to Petco Love, diseases such as parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats are among the most common deadly illnesses affecting pets and can be prevented through vaccination.

The organization said survey data from attendees at previous free vaccine clinics found that only 38% of pet owners reported their pets had previously received similar vaccines, underscoring the need for free vaccination programs.

Petco Love President Chelsea Staley said the clinics often serve as an entry point for families who have not yet established routine veterinary care.

"For nearly half of the pet parents we surveyed at free clinics powered by Petco Love, these events are how they make sure their pets get vaccinated," Staley said. "It's more than just a single shot. It's about preventing disease in the long term, protecting communities, and opening the door for families and pets to a lifetime of care."

Pet owners planning to attend are asked to bring dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. The shelter said it cannot vaccinate pets that are sick, injured, unowned, or known to have adverse reactions to vaccines or people.

For more information, contact the Snake River Animal Shelter at 208-523-4219.