County To Offer Free Rabies Clinic on October 20th

The Dutchess County Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA), will offer a free rabies vaccination clinic on Sunday, October 20^th at the DCSPCA Adoptions and Education Center located at 636 Violet Avenue in Hyde Park from 8 a.m. to noon. This clinic is open to dogs, cats and domestic ferrets 3 months of age and older. Pre-registration is required; registration opens on Friday, September 20^th at DCSPCA.org or by calling the DCSPCA at 845-452-7722, extension 425. 

The clinic is free for Dutchess County residents; non-residents will be charged a fee of $10 per pet vaccinated. All dogs must be on leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will be good for three years for pets with proper proof of a prior immunization. For those without proof, the vaccination will be good for one year.

New York State law requires rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets by the age of 4 months of age. Pet owners are required to revaccinate on a regular schedule to keep the animal properly immunized against the rabies virus.

DOH is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns regarding potential rabies exposure to people or domestic animals. Pet owners should report to DOH any incident in which their pet has been bitten by or has an open wound exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a domestic or wild animal. Staff will investigate and advise the pet owner of any necessary steps they should take to ensure the safety of their animal.

Residents who see an animal acting strangely are advised to contact their local police agency. If a person has been bitten, or a domestic pet is bitten or is in contact, with any animal, they’re to contact DOH immediately at 845-486-3404 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 845-431-6465 on nights and weekends.

To learn more about rabies please visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or contact DCBH at ehs@dutchessny.gov.