Health officials want to remind folks about the importance of getting their pets vaccinated against rabies.

Officials say the rabies disease is highly contagious and can even be deadly.

The Southwest Public Health department is helping pet owners get the much needed vaccination.

This Saturday, several clinics will be open in surrounding counties where pet owners can take their pets to get the protection they need.

"We advise and encourage everyone, and it's also state law it has to be done uhm it not only protects the community, it protects the pets it protects face covered you, me and our children, et cetera," Melissa Hart explained.

The rabies vaccinations are given at a reduced cost to those who visit one of the clinics on Saturday, April 18th, 2009.

The April 18 clinics are:

Meigs, Police Station, 9 - 10 a.m.,
Ochlocknee, Police Station, 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.,
Coolidge, Police Station, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m,
Boston, Police Station, 8:30 - 10 a.m.,
Barwick, City Hall, 10:15 - 11 a.m.,
Pavo, Water Tower, 11:15 a.m. - noon,
Thomasville, Fair Ground, 9 - 11:30 a.m.

The vaccinations per family will cost $11.00 for one animal, $10.00 each
for two animals and $9.00 each for three or more animals.