Los Banos, CA – (September 5, 2025) Local pet owners will have the opportunity to access free vaccinations and microchipping for their dogs and cats this Sunday, September 7, thanks to a partnership between New Beginnings for Merced County Animals and Petco Love. The event will take place at the City of Los Banos Community Center, located at 645 7th Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged.
Dogs will receive the DHPP vaccine, which protects against parvo and distemper, while cats will be administered the HCP vaccine, guarding against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. In addition to vaccinations, both cats and dogs will receive a microchip for permanent identification, all at no cost to pet owners. While the clinic is free, donations are welcome to support the continuation of these vital community services.
For many families, these services can represent a significant financial burden when accessed through a private veterinary provider. Typically, microchipping costs range from $18 to $21, while core vaccinations like DHPP and HCP average between $17 and $27 per dose. Rabies vaccines alone often cost anywhere from $40 to $75. Altogether, these services can easily add up to more than $100 per pet. By attending Sunday’s clinic, pet owners could save between $75 and $120 or more per animal.
Beyond cost savings, these preventative measures are crucial for public and animal health. National studies indicate that a notable portion of pets remain unvaccinated. One study cited by Texas A&M found that about 4% of dogs and 12% of cats had not received a rabies vaccine, posing risks to both animals and humans. Microchips also play a vital role in returning lost pets to their homes, increasing the chances of reunion by up to 20 times compared to unchipped animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
With a city population of approximately 45,500 residents and an average household size of 3.6 people, it’s reasonable to assume there are more than 3,500 dog-owning households and over 2,000 cat-owning households in Los Banos. When accounting for households with multiple pets, the number of companion animals in the city likely totals several thousand, many of whom could benefit from services like those being offered this weekend.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their pets to the Community Center early. For more information, contact New Beginnings for Merced County Animals or visit their social media pages. By showing up, residents will not only protect their pets, they’ll also contribute to the health and safety of the entire community.
