Dutchess County Partners with
Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
to Provide Free Rabies Clinics
The first will be Saturday, May 31st at HVARS, Poughkeepsie

The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) has partnered with the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (HVARS) to host a series of free rabies vaccination clinics for local pets.

The first clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 31^st at the HVARS hospital, located at 9 Barnes Drive in Poughkeepsie from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets 3 months of age and older. Pre-registration is required and is available online athvars.org. View the event flyer.

The clinic is free for Dutchess County residents and $15 per pet for non-residents. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will be good for three years with proof of prior vaccination. For those without proof, the vaccination will be good for one year. Microchipping will also be available at a cost of $45 per pet, and a one-year distemper vaccine for $25 per pet.

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

HVARS is a non-profit animal rescue, wildlife rehabilitation center & low-cost vet service that opened in 2011, first offering mobile pet clinics before opening its Poughkeepsie hospital location in 2015.

Two additional rabies clinics will be hosted in 2025 as well as spay and neuter services to help reduce the number of feral cats in the area.

DCDOH is available to answer questions or concerns regarding potential rabies exposure to people or domestic animals. If a person or a domestic pet is bitten or is in contact with any animal, please contact DCDOH at 845-486-3404 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 845-431-6465 on nights and weekends. Staff will investigate and advise the pet owner of any necessary steps to ensure the safety of their animal. To report an animal acting strangely, please contact local police.

To learn more about rabies, visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or contact DCDOH at ehs@dutchessny.gov.