Gwinnett Is Giving Your Pets Free Vaccines. Yes, Free. Here's How to Get In.

Real talk: vet bills add up fast, and the basics are usually the first thing people push to "next month." Gwinnett just took the price tag off the table.

The county is running a series of free pet vaccine clinics called the Steve and Julie Helman Pet Vaccine Clinics. They're funded by a memorial donation from the Estate of Stephen J. Helman, given to the county to benefit Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement. The county says the gift will keep these clinics going for several years.

Here's what your pet walks out with:

• Dogs: one-year rabies, Bordetella and DHPP.

• Cats: one-year rabies and FVRCP.

• Everyone: an onsite microchip, plus staff on hand to help with spay and neuter resources and questions.

• $0 out of your pocket.

• 6 clinics left in 2026, all at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center.

• 3 pets max per household, per clinic.

• 2 time slots: Wednesday evenings 4–7 p.m. and Saturday afternoons noon–3 p.m.

• 1 rule you can't skip: preregistration. No registration, no shots.

The 2026 schedule

• Wednesday, Oct. 7 — 4 to 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 17 — noon to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 4 — 4 to 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 21 — noon to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 2 — 4 to 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 19 — noon to 3 p.m.

Who pays: Not you. The clinics run on private money: a memorial gift from the Helman estate, handed to the county for Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement. The county hasn't said how big the gift is, but it says the money covers clinics for several years.

Who wins: Pet owners, obviously. But also the shelter. Vaccinated pets mean less disease spreading around the county, and microchipped pets that get loose are a lot easier to get home. Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said the donation will help "provide vital preventive care to thousands of animals."

The catch: It's a vaccine and microchip clinic, not a full checkup. Slots are limited, it's residents only, and those weekday evening hours won't work for everybody. Plan around the Saturday dates if you need to.

One person decided their legacy would be keeping Gwinnett's dogs and cats healthy. That's the kind of local story that doesn't trend, but it shows up in every neighborhood.

• Daily life: Rabies vaccination is the big one for keeping your pet, your kids and your neighbors safe.

• Money: Shots plus a microchip at a private clinic is real money. Here it's free, for up to three animals.

• Peace of mind: If your dog bolts during a thunderstorm, a microchip is the difference between a phone call and a sad flyer on a telephone pole.

Register now, pick your date, and bring your pets (dogs on a leash, cats in a carrier is always the smart move). In 2027 the clinics hit the road, with the county planning stops at different locations around Gwinnett. We'll post those dates the second they drop.

Can't make any of these? Planned PEThood of Georgia says its outreach event on Oct. 24 at Best Friend Park in Norcross will offer free vaccines and microchips too. Check their site for details.

Free shots, free chips, zero excuses. Register today, because "I'll do it next month" is exactly how pets miss their rabies shot.

Original Articles

1. Gwinnett County — Free pet vaccine clinics launch through legacy donation (news release, Oct. 1, 2026)
   Read on gwinnettcounty.com

2. Gwinnett County — Steve and Julie Helman Pet Vaccine Clinics (schedule and registration)
   Read on gwinnettcounty.com

3. Planned PEThood of Georgia — Oct. 24 outreach event
   Read on pethoodga.org