GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The City of Great Falls Animal Shelter announced a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets after a bat in Cascade County tested positive for rabies on August 28.
The clinic is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the shelter at 1010 25th Avenue NE. The event is tied to World Rabies Day and aims to help local pet owners protect animals, families and the wider community.
City rules require current rabies shots for dogs and cats older than four months in Great Falls. Cascade County’s dog control ordinance requires current rabies vaccinations for dogs older than six months.
Laramie Smovir, operations manager for the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, stressed the local risk.
“Rabies is here, and we need to take that seriously. Keeping our pets vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do to protect them, ourselves, and our community,” Smovir said.
The shelter said vaccinations will be free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required, though pet owners can preregister through the [City of Great Falls Animal Shelter website] to speed up check-in.
Preregistration does not hold a spot in line. For safety, dogs must be on a secure leash and cats must be in a secure carrier.
Smovir said community support helped make the clinic possible.
“Removing cost as a barrier makes it easier for families to keep their pets protected. We are incredibly grateful to Fetch and the Mazzolini family for making this service available to our community in Dan’s honor,” Smovir said.
The shelter said support came from Fetch and the Mazzolini family through Dan’s Pet Food Pantry in honor of Dan Mazzolini. More information is available by calling 406-454-2276.
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