Cumberland County Offers Free Human Vaccines and $5 Pet Rabies Shots April 18

Cumberland County Department of Public Health will hold a Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself event on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Public Health Center. The facility sits at 1235 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.

Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will cost $5 per animal, according to the Cumberland County website. Only cash works. Officials ask people to bring exact change and skip the rolled coins.

North Carolina law requires that owners of every dog and cat over four months of age have the animal vaccinated against rabies. To stay protected, a dog or cat must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years. Dog and cat owners in the county who fail to follow the law face a $100 civil penalty.

Dogs must be on a leash at the event. Cats must be in separate carriers or boxes. Owners may be held responsible for any damage their pets cause.

Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, measles-mumps-rubella, and back-to-school school-mandated vaccines will be offered at no cost from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointments are needed. Walk-ins are welcome.

The department encourages everyone 6 months and older to get their flu shot each year. A one-time RSV vaccine is suggested for adults 75 and older, adults 50 to 74 who have a higher risk for severe RSV, and infants.

The Public Health Sexually Transmitted Infections Express Clinic will be open during the event and offer confidential STI testing. Testing is free, no matter your insurance status. To schedule an appointment, call 910-433-3600. Walk-in availability will be offered.

For transportation assistance to the facility, call 910-433-3600.