American Humane Association “Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals” The dates have been set: Friday August 20 and Saturday August 21 at SCEMD (tentative site 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia).

SCEMD was able to secure grant funding for 60 participants, which covers course registration* but does NOT cover meals or lodging. The Program has received continuing education credits (15) for the course from the SC Veterinary Board. This course has a good reputation for training shelter staff personnel who would work in temporary emergency animal shelters.

I’m writing with news for everyone who expressed interest in taking or sending county folks to take the American Humane Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals course:
We reached the threshold of interested parties so that the American Humane folks could set up a course - Sharon Lynch of SCEMD contacted American Humane for us.
American Humane can offer the course on Friday, August 20, and Saturday, August 21, to be held at SCEMD in West Columbia.

Here’s the best part: SCEMD WILL PAY REGISTRATION FOR 60 ATTENDEES.

All of you who responded so far were prepared to pay $150/head so this is great news!

SCEMD cannot support meals, travel expenses, or lodging. However they can provide names of local hotels who offer rooms at $79/night.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:>

The first 60 attendees to sign up will get to attend free.

Please respond to me about your continued interest and availability for these dates - if not enough can attend on these dates, there is a possibility we can find a second date. However, if we get at least 40 who respond positively, the dates August 20-21 will be set.

Please respond as soon as possible. I’ll wait until next Monday before I sent this out to the wide county contact list again – giving you all the first chance.

Sharon would like to know by next Friday, June 11, of total attendees and firm date so that the course can be scheduled.

SCEMD is looking into the possibility of inviting American Humane Association to SC to provide a two day training called “Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals” (descriptive flyer attached). The course would be offered to a group in size between 30 and 60 participants and would be held on either a Friday-Saturday or a Saturday-Sunday.
The cost per person would be $150.
This course has a good reputation for training shelter staff personnel who would work in temporary emergency animal shelters, and there is a chance that this training will be one that may be approved by FEMA/DHS as a standardized course.
  Disaster Sheltering PDF

Rabies Clinic Fees Previously Capped at $3 Increased to Cap of $10

Inoculation of pets; rabies inoculations by or under supervision of veterinarian SECTION 1. Section 47-5-60 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 343 of 2002, is further amended to read: "Section 47-5-60. A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The rabies inoculation for pets must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or someone under a licensed veterinarian's direct supervision, as defined in Section 40-69-20. Evidence of rabies inoculation is a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. The rabies vaccination certificate forms may be provided by the licensed veterinarian or by the department or its designee. The veterinarian may stamp or write his name and address on the certificate. The certificate must include information recommended by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. The licensed veterinarian administering or supervising the administration of the vaccine shall provide one copy of the certificate to the owner of the pet and must retain one copy in his files for not less than three years. With the issuance of the certificate, the licensed veterinarian shall furnish a serially numbered metal license tag bearing the same number and year as the certificate with the name and telephone number of the veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or practice. The metal license tag at all times must be attached to a collar or harness worn by the pet for which the certificate and tag have been issued. Annually before February first, the veterinarian shall report to the department the number of animals inoculated against rabies during the preceding year. The department, in conjunction with licensed veterinarians, shall promote annual rabies clinics. The fee for rabies inoculation at these clinics may not exceed ten dollars, including the cost of the vaccine, and this charge must be paid by the pet owner. -Fees collected by veterinarians at these clinics are their compensation."