Protect Your Pet: Free Rabies Shots For Dogs, Cats, And Ferrets

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A free rabies vaccination clinic will be held at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter on May 16.

Rabies vaccines will be available for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Non-residents are welcome to attend, as well. Town officials will also offer on-the-spot dog licensing applications and renewals to Town of North Hempstead residents.

The clinic will be held in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said this program helps to keep Long Island pets, and residents, safe from the life-threatening disease.

"As a dog owner, I know that our pets become part of our families," she said.

The CDC states that rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if those infected do not receive medical care before symptoms start. The disease spreads primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal, the CDC said. More than 90 percent of reported positive cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife – this can include bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and more, the CDC reported.

According to the CDD, rabid dogs in the U.S. are uncommon due to the effective rabies vaccine, rabies prevention, and control programs. In other parts of the world, domestic dogs are responsible for more than 95 percent of the estimated 70,000 human deaths each year, the CDC reported.

According to Health Data NY, in 2025, there were 21 reported positive cases of rabies amongst raccoons in Nassau County. There were 0 reported positive cases of rabies amongst cats or dogs in Nassau County, according to Health Data NY.

The Town of North Hempstead said that by offering free vaccinations, they hope this keeps pets and residents safe and helps the Town track records in the event of bites, which helps those affected "avoid costly and traumatic treatment."

Pet owners must bring their dogs on leashes and their cats and ferrets in carriers. The North Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 75 Marino Avenue in Port Washington. Registration for the clinic is required. To register or to learn more about the clinic, folks can call 311 or 516-869-6311.