Here’s a compendium of news for your and your pet,:

Let’s start with PetEx, the big critter-related expo happening at the Roanoke Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the event is $7 for adults and $5 for kids, but a little bird on Facebook said there are FREE kids passes at the checkout counter of your friendly neighborhood Kroger store.  That makes the event very affordable for families.

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Speaking of affordable, if your pet needs a rabies vaccine, the Virginia Department of Public Health is holding a clinic at Washington Park (corner of Burrell Street and Orange Avenue in Roanoke) from 9 a.m. to noon on May 12 and the vaccine will only cost $5. Pups must be at least three months old and all dogs must be leashed. Cats must be in a carrier. If you have a certificate of prior vaccination, your pet is eligible for a three-year vaccine.

You can save time by pre-registering online at www.tinyurl/rabiesclinic2012 by May 9.

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Got a pit-bull-type doggie and want to be a responsible pet owner? You can get your pittie fixed for the low, low price of $23 at Mountain View Humane in Christiansburg. The clinic got a grant to fix 100 bully-breed dogs and so far 19 people have taken advantage of this bargain. To get in on the deal, call 382-0222 to make an appointment. If you can’t make it all the way out to the New River Valley, ask about a free ride on the Hip to Snip trip when you make your appointment.

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Has your dog gotten into something potentially toxic? There’s an app for that.

The Pet Poison Helpline has launched a new iPhone app and a mobile-enhanced website, making it that much easier to get your questions answered when your pet has made a questionable edible call. The app has an index that allows users to search a full-color database for toxins, cross-referencing them by common and scientific terms.

The app costs .99 cents and is available through iTunes. For more information, go to www.petpoisonhelpline.com