While pet lovers care greatly for their four-legged friends year-round, June is the unofficial month in which to take care of some important pet care responsibilities: It's when dog licenses must be obtained and/or renewed in the state.

Because a current rabies vaccination certificate is a requirement for a new license, June has become the ideal time to make sure dogs have up-to-date rabies vaccines.

The East Haven Animal Shelter hopes to make the process easier for area residents with a rabies and microchip clinic on Sunday,

June 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at the shelter at 183 Commerce Street. It is open to everyone, not just East Haven residents.

The event is for dogs and cats. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. The vaccines are $15; microchips are $42. Payment is accepted in cash only.

Assistant Animal Control Officer Kristina Ruszczyk stressed the importance of getting pets their rabies vaccinations.

"Last year, we had a child who was bitten by a rabid raccoon. It's out there," said Ruszczyk. "It makes it so much easier" if a pet is vaccinated.

If a pet is bitten by a rabid animal, the pet either has to be euthanized or quarantined for six months, according to Ruszczyk.

While most people are familiar with how vaccines are administered, not everyone understands how pets receive microchips. Ruszczyk explains that the microchip, which is the size of a grain of rice, is inserted by needle between a pet's shoulder blades.

Ruszczyk said that microchips can help a pet be recovered if it is lost or stolen. If a pet with a microchip is found, the chip is scanned. If the owner has registered the pet, a code will reveal information about the pet that will reunite it with its owner.

Ruszczyk said many shelters, including East Haven's, and veterinarian offices have the technology to scan microchips. She called it an invaluable tool, noting that if an animal is hit by a car, its collar (with identifying tags) could fall off, making it impossible to locate the pet's owner.

"If it has a microchip, we can call the owner right away," said Ruszczyk.

When residents bring their pets to the clinic this Sunday, they will see the many cats awaiting adoption at the shelter. Ruszczyk stressed the importance of also ensuring pets are spayed and neutered, especially cats.

For more information about the clinic, call the East Haven Animal Shelter at 203-468-3249.