Organizers say too many dogs are at risk for this preventable but lethal disease, hope to save lives and prevent heartbreaks with mass vaccination opportunity.

Indy's Parvo Prevention Project will host a free Parvo vaccination clinic on April 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive-through event will take place in the parking lot of Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO) at 1505 N. Sherman Drive in Indianapolis.

"Too many dogs aren't getting the affordable and effective vaccinations for the highly lethal, expensive-to-treat Parvovirus, and the results are heartbreaking," said Robin Herman, the founder of LDR Rescue, the organizer of the event.

Herman said the circumstance is especially regrettable, given the low cost of the vaccine.

"When new puppy owners meet with most vets for the first time, they are confronted with packaged options that can run up to several hundred dollars," she said. "If they do nothing else, they should ask for the Parvo vaccine, which can cost as little as $16."

Herman, who has rescued more than 1,400 dogs in her career, said the goal of Indy's Parvo Prevention Project is to inoculate 500 dogs at the clinic and then conduct other events throughout the year.

"Our rescue has fostered more dogs than ever since the pandemic who are suffering from Parvo," she said. "People adopted dogs who didn't understand the risk, and at the same time, veterinarians have been busier than ever because of all the adoptions."

The vaccines were donated by Petco Love, a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier, with other organizations contributing collateral supplies.

"Thanks to Petco Love, we can offer these important vaccine events at no cost to pet owners," Herman said. "We urge community members to take advantage of this no-cost resource to ensure the health and wellness of their pets."

"It is heartbreaking when any pet suffers or dies from a disease that could have been prevented," said Susanne Kogut, Petco Love president. "By creating greater awareness and making this crucial preventative care more accessible to pets not currently receiving these life-saving vaccines, we can prevent the dangerous spread of disease."

Dog owners will be able to drive through the clinic, similar to how many people received vaccinations during the COVID outbreak. Other vaccinations will be included in the injection, and owners will receive guidance on any recommended immunization follow-ups.