Community Turns Out for Affordable Preventive Care at the Aberdeen Fire Company
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County | 410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (October 28, 2026) – With nearly 30 confirmed animal rabies cases reported so far this year in Harford County—the highest number of any jurisdiction in Maryland—the Humane Society of Harford County’s (HSHC) affordable pet vaccination clinic could not have come at a better time.
The line of people with their pets snaked down North Rogers Street outside the Aberdeen Fire Department for nearly four hours on Saturday, October 24. By mid-afternoon, 360 pets including 267 dogs, 91 cats, and 2 ferrets had all received vaccinations and/or microchips in the fire department’s ambulance bay.
The strong turnout underscored both the growing demand for affordable veterinary care and heightened awareness of the risks posed by rabies and other communicable diseases.
“When nearly 30 animals in our county have tested positive for rabies, the importance of keeping pets vaccinated really hits home,” said Amanda Hickman, executive director of HSHC. “For many families, the rising cost of veterinary care can make even basic preventative services difficult to afford. These clinics help remove that financial barrier, making it easier for people to protect the pets they love while also protecting the broader community.”
During the event, HSHC administered 300 rabies vaccines, along with distemper and Bordetella vaccinations for dogs and cats. An additional 36 pets received microchips, giving families added peace of mind by increasing the likelihood of being reunited should a beloved pet ever become lost.
The clinic was made possible through the generous support of Jones Bel Air Subaru as part of its annual Subaru Loves Pets initiative. Each October, the dealership provides direct funding to HSHC through a grant administered by the ASPCA, helping cover the costs of preparing shelter animals for adoption and providing affordable preventative care to community pets.
Representatives from Jones Bel Air Subaru were also on hand Saturday, delighting pet owners by distributing stuffed Subaru toys to the first 150 dogs in line.
The Harford County Health Department joined the event, offering educational materials and giveaways while sharing information about its pilot Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Program. The initiative aims to immunize thousands of wild raccoons in an effort to reduce the spread of rabies throughout the county.
“With rabies cases at such concerning levels in Harford County, these clinics are more than a convenience – they’re an important public health resource,” Hickman added. “We’re grateful to our partners for supporting this initiative to help safeguard public health and keep animals in loving homes.”
Affordable vaccine clinics are part of HSHC’s ongoing commitment to accessible pet care and proactive community outreach. By providing low-cost preventative services, the organization aims to reduce barriers to veterinary care and prevent the spread of disease throughout Harford County.
For more information about upcoming clinics and programs, visit www.harfordshelter.org.
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 3,000 animals that arrive each year. HSHC promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to its life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals in the community.