FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will host the annual spring Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself event, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Department of Public Health facility, located at 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. The event will feature a mini health fair where Public Health will be joined by community partners to provide information about services, showcase available programs and distribute free promotional items.  

Vax Your Pet

Dog and cat rabies vaccinations will be $5 per pet. Only cash will be accepted for payment. Checks, debit and credit cards will not be accepted. Patrons are encouraged to bring exact change and to not bring rolled coins.

North Carolina law requires that “the owner of every dog and cats over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies.” To remain properly immunized, a dog or cat must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter. Dog and cat owners in Cumberland County who have not vaccinated their pet in accordance with this law are subject to a $100 civil penalty.

While at the clinic, dogs must be leashed and cats must be in separate carriers or boxes. Owners may be held responsible for any damage their pet causes at the clinic.

Vax Yourself

Families are encouraged to take advantage of the early vaccination clinic for back-to-school vaccinations during the Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself event. Vaccines are free for anyone regardless of insurance status. If insured, the insurance company will be billed. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.

Immunizations are available for all youth including children entering Kindergarten and teens entering grades seven and 12 in the fall. A full list of immunizations required before entering Kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade, as required by North Carolina state law, can be found on the Cumberland County Schools website at https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/. All students entering grade seven are required to obtain a Tdap and meningococcal conjugate vaccine before starting school. As of Aug. 1, 2020, a booster dose to protect against meningococcal disease is required for adolescents entering the 12th grade or by age 17, whichever comes first. Learn more here (Spanish language flyer here).

Vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza and RSV (for adults 60 and older) will also be available at the event. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be given at no cost. No appointments are required. Walk-ins are welcome. Public Health encourages everyone six months and older to get their seasonal flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine and RSV vaccine.

Test Yourself

The Public Health Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Express Clinic will be open during this event with confidential testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STIs. Testing is free, regardless of insurance status. To schedule an appointment, call 910-433-3600. There will be some availability for walk-ins,

For transportation assistance to the Public Health building, call 910-433-3600.

For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/health or call 910-433-3600.