POUGHKEEPSIE … The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH), in partnership with Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (HVARS), will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Beacon Recreation Department, located at 23 West Center Street in Beacon. The clinic is open to dogs, cats and domestic ferrets that are at least 3 months old. Advance registration is required and will open at hvars.org.
Rabies vaccinations will be provided at no cost to Dutchess County residents; non-residents pay $15 per pet. Dogs must be leashed, and cats and ferrets must be transported 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 for $45 per pet, and a one-year distemper vaccination will be available for $25 per pet.
New York State law requires all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and to remain current on their vaccinations. Pet owners who fail to comply with these requirements may face fines of up to $200.
Residents who observe an animal behaving unusually should contact their local law-enforcement agency. Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to an animal, or whose pet has been exposed, should contact the DCDOH at 845-486-3404 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or 845-431-6465 evenings and weekends. DCDOH staff will investigate the incident and provide guidance on any necessary next steps.
For more information about rabies prevention, visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or contact the Dutchess County Department of Health at ehs@dutchessny.gov.
