Town of North Hempstead to Offer Free Rabies Vaccinations

The Town of North Hempstead is offering all residents free rabies vaccinations for their dogs, cats and ferrets next month.

North Hempstead has partnered with Nassau County Department of Health to offer the vaccination clinic at the “Yes We Can Community Center” in Westbury, on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5-7 p.m.

In March, the New York State Department of Health reported that a rabid raccoon was found in Nassau County for the first time since 2007.

“Rabies is a preventable disease and this free service allows pet owners to help keep their pets healthy as well as keep our community safe,” Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a press release.

All dogs must be on leashes and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers.

You do not have to be a resident of North Hempstead for your pet to receive a free rabies vaccine. North Hempstead officials will also offer on-the-spot dog licensing applications and renewals to North Hempstead residents.

Registration is required. The “Yes We Can” Community Center is located 141 Garden St.

For more information or to register, call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

All dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets are required by NYS law to be vaccinated against rabies. It is imperative to have your pet up-to-date on its vaccinations. If a pet is not vaccinated or overdue for its vaccination and comes in contact with a possibly rabid animal, the pet must be euthanized or strictly quarantined for six months. But if a vaccinated pet comes into contact with a wild animal that possibly has rabies, it only needs a booster vaccination within five days of exposure.

Additional information on raccoon rabies and how to prevent exposure to the virus, go here.