WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Fur babies and their parents filled the parking lot of local Planeview event space, The Venue, on Saturday morning. 

It donated the space to the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL) giving free vaccinations to dogs and cats of Sedgwick County low-income owners.  

Close to 300 people showed up for vaccinations, microchipping and free dog and cat food. 

"It was very important for me to be here early because I wanted to be sure I got in line in time to get him taken care of because it's very important for me to know where my dog is to make sure that he is vaccinated in protecting all of the other dogs in the neighborhood,” said dog mom Janna Martinez of her fur baby Pharoah.   

Rabies, DAPP and FVRCP were the vaccines provided.    

WAAL specialist Kylee Wallentine was glad to see the turnout.  

She said especially with the deadly disease parvo running rampant throughout Wichita and surrounding areas. 

"it causes vomiting, diarrhea, blood can be present in both of those things. they become lethargic, they don't eat, they don't drink and eventually they succumb to that," said Wallentine.  

She added the importance of having your fur baby vaccinated starting at 6 weeks of age and every three weeks after that until they are 16 weeks old.  

Wallentine said since COVID, the organization has seen an increase in strays. She attributes this increase to people having pets during that time and no longer wanting them.  

For this reason, Dr. Steve Hodes said having your pets vaccinated is important for the safety of other dogs and cats as well as people.  

"If you get bit by one of these animals you don't know if they're rabies vaccinated, if they're protected and so now you've been exposed to a dog bite and you chances are, are going to need to go to the hospital,"  said Hodes.   

Hodes added microchipping is also important.  It helps locate your fur baby with just a scan back to its owner. 

With such a big turnout at Saturday’s event, not every dog and cat received vaccinations. Wallentine said if you missed Saturday’s free vaccinations, you can visit them at WAAL for assistance.