Free Rabies Shots For Wyckoff Pets Saturday

Wyckoff is holding its annual rabies prevention program with pet licenses and free vaccines for dogs and cats from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Department of Public Works Garage at 475 West Main Street.

The event is free for all Wyckoff residents. Dogs should be kept on leashes and cats in carriers. According to Dr. David Klopp, a Board of Health member and , the first shot a pet receives will last one year and subsequent shots will last three years each.

Dr. Klopp told Patch the vaccines are important for public health because rabies is fatal to humans and there are rabid animals in Bergen County. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, one New Jersey resident died after being bitten by a rabid animal last July. Rabies deaths have become relatively uncommon because of widespread vaccination programs.

The Township will also be distributing pet licenses at the event. Dr. Klopp said that only licensed animals will be eligible for the vaccines. Licenses must be renewed annually and cost $14 or $11 if the pet has been spayed or neutered. Licenses issued after February 1 will cost $10 extra for late fees.

Township Committeeman Brian Scanlan is the Committe's liason to the Board of Health.

"It is an excellent and very convenient opportunity for Wyckoff residents to ensure that their cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies immunization, and also to renew their pet licenses for 2012," Scanlan said.

Any residents who cannot make it to Saturday's program can still get free rabies shots for their pets at the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro.