October 29, 2003
County Announces Free Rabies Shots for Pets
County Executive William R. Steinhaus announced today a clinic for vaccinating pets against rabies. Hosted by the Dutchess County Department of Health, in cooperation with the JH Ketcham Hose Company, a Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the firehouse located at 3133 Route 22, Dover Plains, across the street from Dover Plains Elementary School.
At this free clinic, rabies shots will be provided at no charge to dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets that are at least three months of age.
To ensure the safety of pets, owners, and clinic staff, all dogs must be on leashes. Cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers.
This vaccination will be valid for three years for pets with proof of prior immunization. For pets without proof of previous vaccination, the vaccine will be valid for one year.
New York State law requires rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by the age of four months. Owners may be fined up to $200 if they fail to vaccinate their pets and keep vaccinations current.
If a pet that is not up-to-date on rabies vaccination bites someone, state law requires the owner to either have the pet destroyed and tested for rabies or confine the pet at the owner’s expense in an appropriate facility, such as a veterinary hospital, kennel, or shelter, for a ten-day observation period. Currently vaccinated pets that bite someone may, in most cases, be confined and observed at home.
If a rabid or suspect-rabid animal fights with a pet that is not up-to-date on rabies immunizations, the pet must be destroyed promptly or placed in quarantine for six months. Vaccinated pets in the same situation require only a booster dose of vaccine within five days.
The Dutchess County Department of Health is available around the clock to assist anyone who may have been exposed to rabies or who has questions about the disease. For urgent inquiries after business hours, call (845) 431-6465. During normal business hours, call (845) 486-3404.
For more information about pet vaccination clinic schedules or other rabies-related information, call Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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