Low-Cost Veterinary Services for Pets: Vaccines and Microchips
- developmentmgr
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
At Metro East Humane Society (MEHS), we know that affordable veterinary care is key to keeping pets healthy and safe. Our commitment goes beyond spay and neuter surgeries; we offer a full suite of low-cost veterinary services designed to help you protect your pets and keep them up to date on essential care. From microchipping to vaccine clinics, MEHS is here to ensure every pet in our community gets the care they deserve, regardless of their owner’s income.
Why Vaccines and Microchipping Matter for Your Pets
Vaccinations protect your pet from dangerous, and sometimes deadly, diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. Staying current on vaccines also helps protect other pets and people in your community by reducing the spread of preventable illnesses.
Microchipping, meanwhile, is one of the best ways to make sure a lost pet finds their way home. A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed just under your pet’s skin. It’s permanent, safe, and can be scanned by any shelter or veterinarian to instantly identify your contact information, dramatically increasing the chances of reunion if your pet ever goes missing. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned home, and cats are more than 20 times as likely to be returned home compared to those without microchips.
MEHS’ Low-Cost Public Surgery and Preventative Care Services
In addition to spay and neuter surgeries, MEHS offers a range of low-cost veterinary procedures and preventive care options at our veterinary clinic, located in our Edwardsville, Illinois, shelter. These services include:
Core Vaccines
Dogs: Rabies, Bordetella, DHPPC
Cats: Rabies, FVRCP
Microchipping
Permanent identification with lifetime registration and no annual fees.
Other Affordable Services
Ear cleaning
Nail trims
Anal gland expression
Heartworm testing
FELV/FIV testing for cats
Wellness blood panels
E-collars
All procedures are performed in-house by our experienced veterinary team. Whether you’re coming in for surgery, vaccines, or microchipping, your pet will be cared for with the same compassion and professionalism MEHS is known for.
MEHS’ Vaccine Clinics: Accessible and Convenient
Our low-cost, drive-thru vaccine clinics make it easy and convenient to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. Clinics are held monthly at our Highland shelter, located at 510 W Monroe in Highland, IL, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees need to be in line by 11:30 a.m. No appointment is needed; walk-ins only are accepted, and payment is by cash or check only.
Remaining 2025 Vaccine Clinic Dates (weather permitting):
Saturday, July 19
Saturday, August 23
Saturday, September 20
Saturday, October 18
Vaccine Clinic Pricing:
Rabies Vaccine: $15
Bordetella Vaccine: $10
Canine DAPPV Vaccine: FREE
Feline HCP Vaccine: FREE
Microchip: $20
Madison County Rabies Registration Fee (required for Madison County residents):
$15 for spayed/neutered pets
$35 for unneutered/unspayed pets
Frequently Asked Questions About MEHS’ Low-Cost Veterinary Services
Do I need an appointment for vaccines or microchipping? No appointment is needed for our monthly vaccine clinics; walk-ins only! Just arrive at our Highland location during clinic hours (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and be in line by 11:30 a.m.
What forms of payment are accepted at the clinics? Payment at our vaccine clinics is accepted by cash or check only. Credit or debit cards are not accepted at the drive-thru clinics.
How old should my pet be for vaccines or microchipping? Puppies and kittens can usually start their core vaccines around 6–8 weeks old, depending on their health. Microchipping can be safely done once pets are big enough, often by 8 weeks of age, but our team can advise you during your visit.
Are there any side effects from vaccines? Mild side effects, such as temporary soreness at the injection site, low energy, or a mild fever, can occur within 24 to 48 hours after vaccination. Serious reactions are rare, but can include vomiting, face swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs with your pet, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Can a microchip track my pet’s location? No, microchips do not have GPS or tracking capabilities. A microchip is a permanent form of ID that can be scanned by shelters or veterinarians to retrieve your contact information from a secure database, increasing the chance of a reunion if your pet is lost.
Where do the vaccine clinics take place? Our drive-thru clinics are held in the parking lot of our Highland shelter, located at 510 W Monroe in Highland, IL. Please check our website or Facebook page for updates on clinic dates, times, and any weather-related changes.
How do I schedule a spay or neuter surgery?
Appointments are required for our low-cost surgery services. To schedule an appointment, please contact info@mehs.org or (618) 656-4405.
Thank You for Choosing MEHS for Affordable Pet Care
By choosing MEHS’ low-cost veterinary services, you’re not only giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life, you’re also supporting a mission that helps pets across our communities. Thank you for being a responsible pet parent and helping us build a safer, healthier future for animals in the Metro East. For more information on our low-cost spay and neuter services, read our blog post.
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