POUGHKEEPSIE ... The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH), in partnership with the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (HVARS), will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for Dutchess County residents on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HVARS clinic, located at 9 Barnes Drive in Poughkeepsie. The clinic is open to dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets ages 3 months and older. Advance registration is required, with registration opening October 28th at hvars.org.
The vaccination is free for Dutchess County residents and $15 per pet for non-residents. Dogs must be leashed, and cats and ferrets must be transported in carriers. Pets with proof of prior rabies vaccination will receive a three-year certificate; pets without documentation will receive a one-year certificate. Additional services will also be available, including microchipping for $45 per pet and a one-year distemper vaccine for $25 per pet.
Rabies vaccination is required by New York State law for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by four months of age, with regular booster vaccinations required thereafter. Pet owners who fail to maintain current rabies vaccinations may be subject to fines of up to $200.
Residents who encounter an animal behaving unusually should contact their local police agency. If a person or pet is bitten or has contact with an animal that may have rabies, contact DCDOH at 845-486-3404 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 845-431-6465 after hours and on weekends. Health Department staff will investigate and provide guidance on any necessary follow-up measures.
For more information about rabies prevention and vaccination requirements, visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or email ehs@dutchessny.gov.
