More than 100 animals got their shots on Saturday, February 4, during the third annual rabies clinic sponsored by Dr. Harry Ernst of Bourne Veterinary Clinic and Sheila Barry of Family Pet and Supply on Cranberry Highway in East Wareham.

Saying he saw a need to help the community and provide a low-cost alternative to vet visits, Dr. Ernst started the clinic that offered vaccinations for cats and dogs who might otherwise go without. His wife, Judith, helps out.

“One woman came in with 12 animals,” Barry said. “The Family Pet and Supply is on Facebook, so they came from all over—Brockton, Plymouth, Hyannis. We were snowed out two weeks ago, so the turnout today was great.”

Meanwhile, Animal Control Officer Cheryl Gorveatt-Dill was outside the pet store helping Wareham dog owners get or renew their dog licenses. She said since she was new to the force, it was a chance to meet and say "hello" to residents.

The work going on inside the pet store was important, Gorveatt-Dill said, because there have been confirmed rabid animals in the area, and some residents have had to go through treatment to forestall the disease after coming in contact with rabies-positive wildlife.

Gorveatt-Dill was also pushing dog licensing. She had licensed 26 dogs in three hours, including three while she was being interviewed.

“I’m thrilled. I’m so happy people are signing up. I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she said. “I’d rather have you be proactive than give out a $50 ticket for [the dog] not being licensed, plus the license fees.”

Dog license fees are $10 for an altered dog, $13 for a non-altered dog. Fees increase March 31^st by $10 each three months to August 1^st. After August 1^st, all dog licenses cost $50.