LAPLACE — Having pets is expensive.

The veterinary staff at Riverlands Animal Hospital knows not everyone can afford to have their pets fully vaccinated against the myriad of diseases out there.

If they’re going to protect against any disease, though, it should be rabies.

“Rabies can be transmitted to humans,” said Carolyn Tassin, the office manager at Riverlands Animal Hospital. “That’s why it’s important.”

That is why the local animal hospital hosts an annual rabies vaccination day, to offer affordable rabies vaccinations.

This year’s event will be held Saturday at six locations throughout St. John the Baptist Parish:

• 8 a.m. at Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse, 769 W. 5th St. in LaPlace

• 9 a.m. at the front entrance to River Forest Subdivision in LaPlace

• 10 a.m. at Matherne’s Super Market, 1424 W. Airline Hwy in LaPlace (Riverlands Shopping Center)

• 11:30 a.m. at East St. John High School, 1 Wildcat Drive, Reserve

• 12:30 p.m. at the Garyville Post Office, 495 Historic Main St., Garyville

• 1:30 p.m. at Club Grocery, 3035 LA 18, Edgard

Pets will receive a rabies vaccination for $8. Anyone with a pet is welcome to attend.

“We know not everyone can afford to have their pets fully vaccinated,” Tassin said. “They should at least get a rabies shot. There’s a lot of wildlife out there.”

For more information, call Riverlands Animal Hospital at 985-652-6360.