Microchipping & Vaccinations

Microchipping is available at PAWS for $15, and includes a lifetime registration! No appointment is necessary - walk-ins only - first-come, first-come. *Please note, in the event of high volumes of guests during walk-in hours, PAWS may be unable to provide this service to every guest before walk-in closing time.*

As an animal control department, emergencies can often occur. Please note the veterinarian may not be available in the event of an emergency.  For additional options, a list of other local vets is available below.

Microchipping is an excellent way to ensure your pet's return if they become lost. Based on the animal's behavior, strays or found pets brought to PAWS are checked for a microchip , and often found pets are taken to nearby vets who check for a microchip as well. It is also important to keep your information up to date. If you move or your contact info changes, update that information so your pet can be returned to you. Visit HomeAgain or your pet's microchip manufacturer to update your information.

The chips used are from HomeAgain. There are a large number of success stories and photos on their website, as well as more info on the microchipping process.

Every dog and cat over three months of age must have a current vaccination against rabies in Rutherford County, TN. 

Rabies vaccines are available at PAWS for $15, and includes the license.  No appointment is necessary - walk-ins only -first-come, first-serve. *Please note, in the event of high volumes of guests during walk-in hours, PAWS may be unable to provide this service to every guest before walk-in closing time.

As an animal control department, emergencies can often occur. Please note the veterinarian may not be available in the event of an emergency. For additional options, view the list of other local vets.

Why is this Necessary?
Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of infected mammals, primarily dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons, and bats. There have been isolated cases of rabid cows and horses. If untreated, it is FATAL to humans. The treatment for a bite by a rabid animal is long and painful. An unvaccinated animal that is bitten by a rabid animal should be euthanized. An unvaccinated animal that bites a human may be euthanized in order to test for rabies. Nearly all of the animals that test positive for rabies in Rutherford County are skunks, which are being driven out of their normal habitat by development. If you see a skunk out in the daytime, please leave it alone and contact PAWS at 615-898-7740 as skunks can carry the rabies virus. Raccoons are beginning to show up in Eastern Tennessee with a new strain of rabies that may lead to increased cases of rabies among cows and horses. At least once a year the Rutherford County Veterinarians offer rabies shots for a discounted rate during the "Rabies Clinic Week." Call your local veterinarian for a schedule.