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The one-day vaccination clinic, sponsored by the Westchester County Health Department, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the New Rochelle Humane Society at 70 Portman Road. The free vaccinations will be available for dogs, cats and ferrets belonging to Westchester County residents, according to a news release.
“Vaccinating your pet against rabies will protect your pet and your family in case your pet has contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler in the release.
The department is requesting that all dogs be on leashes and all cats be in carriers. Under New York State law, dogs and cats must receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months after birth, according to the release, and a second rabies shot must be given within one year of the first vaccine, with additional booster shots given every one or three years after that, depending on the vaccine used.
Owners who do not get their pets vaccinated could be fined up to $2,000, according to the release.
"Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through the bite or saliva of infected animals," representatives said in the release. "Those animals most commonly infected are raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. However, domestic animals such as cats and dogs are also at risk because they can easily contract rabies from wild or stray animals."
Those with questions are asked to call 914-632-2925 for more information or visit the health department's website.
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