Pet owners flooded a low-cost animal vaccination clinic Tuesday, following a string of rabid bats in the area and two local human exposures to the rabies virus.

The Clark County Combined Health District and the Human Society Serving Clark County teamed up to offer the first of two vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets at the subsidized cost of $10 per shot. Before the first hour was over, more than 60 people arrived with pets in tow, some bringing multiple dogs or animal carriers full of cats.

A second vaccination clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2. at Smith Park Shelter House, 801 W. Jefferson St., in New Carlisle.

More than 50 health district, Humane Society and Medical Reserve Corps employees and volunteers manned the event, ushering pets and their owners to two veterinary professionals delivering shots. Last year, 262 people were served.

Springfield resident Marolyn Merwine said she has brought her three pugs to be vaccinated for the past three years.

“It’s a useful service, especially with the rabies going around and the bats and everything,” Merwine said.

Animals between three months and one year old will receive a one-year vaccination, while older animals with proof of current vaccination will receive a three-year vaccination. Pet owners should bring prior tags or certificates if possible, and all animals must be on a leash or in an animal carrier.

The Humane Society is also offering micro-chipping at the rabies clinics for $25.

Karen Shaffer of Springfield said she and her daughters had been gradually bringing the stray cats on her property to be fixed. Cats are more likely to contract rabies than dogs because they’re more likely to have close contact with wild animals, said Dan Chatfield, health district director of environmental health.

“It’s wonderful because a lot of people can’t afford to pay the full cost,” Shaffer said.

Officials at both the Champaign and Clark county health districts are encouraging resident to vaccinate all their pets regularly.

“You recognize the same dogs coming back every year,” said Kellie Adams, a nurse staffing the event. “It’s such a great service.”