Mobile animal clinic set for Saturday in Patterson

The first Patterson mobile animal clinic of the year is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the City Hall parking lot.

Low-cost vaccinations and other services will be available for cats and dogs.

The clinics in Patterson started in fall 2015. It’s the only clinic hosted in the parish, said City of Patterson Animal Warden and Compliance Officer Marvin “Joe” Lewis.

In 2016, the animal control department hosted a total of six clinics in Patterson. At that time, 428 pets were vaccinated. Most of them were dogs, with very few cats per clinic.

At last year’s November clinic, 52 pets were vaccinated. Of that number, 22 pets were from Patterson. The remaining 30 were from Berwick, Morgan City, Franklin and the Amelia area.

Lewis said the partnership with Mobile Animal Clinic LLC has been beneficial for the area.

“It has helped us out greatly in Patterson,” Lewis said. “We have a leash law and the vicious dog ordinance here.

“And the only way the dogs can stay here in Patterson is if they have been vaccinated and registered with the city of Patterson. We ask that for the safety of the dog.”

Chip services are also available Saturday.

“We can register them and get them chipped,” Lewis said.

“We have a lot of dogs being relocated because of dognapping. The best way to find your dog through this clinic is with the chip because we find the lost dog through them.”

Chips can also be used with cats.

In addition to partnering with the clinic, animal control also works with St. Mary Animal Advocate.

“I have partnered with them because they help me out in so many ways,” Lewis said. “They help me find fosters for the cats and dogs. It’s been working fine.

“I get calls when people have too many dogs to take care of. We look for fosters for them.”

The numbers continue to increase as the department hosts mobile clinics. Pet owners from as far as Lafayette and Donaldsonville call about services for their pets, Lewis said.

No appointments are necessary for the animal clinic on Saturday. All pets are seen in order of arrival.

Package prices and services for dogs and cats range from $25 to $60. For more information about the clinic, call or text 337-288-4586.