Rockland Offers Free Rabies Shots at April Pet Clinic

NEW CITY, NY - Rockland County will offer free rabies shots at a pet clinic April 24.

The free vaccinations are available for cats, dogs and ferretsfrom 10AM-1PM at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen's Memorial Drive in Pomona. No appointment is needed.

While the shots are free, officials hope that participants will consider making a $5 donation per animal to help defray costs.

"Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Rockland County. We remind all residents to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

To get their free rabies shot:

• Your dog, cat or ferret must be healthy
• Your pet must be older than three months
• Your dogs must be on a leash
• Your cats and ferrets must be on a leash or in a top-opening container

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $250 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date.

If an unvaccinated pet, or one that's overdue on its vaccination, comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be destroyed or strictly quarantined for six months.

Vaccinated animals that come in contact with wild animals can be given booster vaccinations, but these shots must be given within five days of exposure.

For more information on animal rabies or the vaccine call the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2594.