ELIZABETHTOWN — Dr. Douglas Gensel of Elizabethtown Veterinary Clinic has been asked to take over offering the county’s annual rabies clinics.

“I was very honored,” said Gensel of being asked to take over the duty from Dr. N. W. Midyette.

The clinics this year will have a new look. In addition to offering the rabies vaccinations for $5 per shot, the clinics will also offer information for pet owners and potential pet owners; microchipping services and information; and will be held in five locations throughout the county for about three hours each session, according to Teri Thomson, manager of Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital.

“We want it to be like a fair event,” said Thomson of the clinics.

The clinics will be held on:

* Saturday March 14, at Elizabethtown Veterinary Clinic located on U.S. 701 S.;

* Saturday, April 11, at the Kelly Ball Park on N.C. Hwy. 53;

* Saturday, May 8, in front of the Bladenboro Historical Building in Bladenboro;

* Saturday, June 13, in the Ruritan building parking lot in White Oak;

* and Saturday, July 11, at the Barking Lot in White Lake.

Thomson said there will be hand-outs and brochures on everything from the crematorium at the vet clinic to samples of pet care products.

“Last year, we did a pet week display at Walmart and vaccinated about 120 pets,” said Thomson. “My goal this year is 1,000 vaccinations.”

There will be displays and tents from such groups as Shelter Friend, Barking Lot, and other vendors. Soo Chic Boutique has donated home-made dog and cat treats, added Thomson.

“A lot of vendors are going to provide free samples of products to give out,” said Thomson. “We’re going to try to educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering along with vaccinations.”

The staff at Gensel’s clinic are donating their time as well as the others who will be assisting with displays.

“The staff is really in to it. I couldn’t do it without them,” said Gensel.

All pet owners are asked to have their dogs and cats, either in a carrier or on a leash.

“We can’t have the animals just wandering around,” said Thomson. All vaccinations must be paid in cash, she added.