Free Rabies Clinic Scheduled for Westchester County

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County residents can have their pets vaccinated for free this month.

The County Health Department has scheduled a free rabies clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13.

It will be held at the SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State Rd. in Briarcliff Manor.

An appointment is required. Call 914-941-2896, ext. 10 to schedule.

Pets eligible for the rabies vaccine are dogs, cats and ferrets.

Cats and ferrets must be in carriers, and dogs must be on a leash. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled.

Officials said no examinations will be given, and all pets must be supervised by an adult.

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies protects your pet and your family if you pet has contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD.

New York State law calls for dogs and cats to receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months after birth. A second rabies shot must be given within one year of the first vaccine, with additional booster shots given every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine used.

Owners who fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep the vaccinations up-to-date my be fined up to $2,000.

Health officials said that a pet whose vaccinations are current would only need to get a booster dose of vaccine within five days of being exposed to a known or suspect rabid animal.

If the pet’s rabies vaccination isn’t up-to-date, it would have to be quarantined or possibly euthanized following contact with a rabid or suspect-rabid animal.

All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at 914-813-5000. After hours, callers should follow the prompts to report a public health emergency 24 hours a day.

Image via flickr creative commons. Credit:Crazybananas.