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CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. -- The Westchester County Health Department will conduct a free rabies vaccination clinic Saturday, July 26.
Vaccinations will take place from 1-5 p.m.at the Cortlandt Animal Hospital, 1 Dogwood Road, Cortlandt Manor.
Under state law, dogs and cats must receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months after birth. 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 fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep the vaccinations up-to-date may be fined up to $2,000.
“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 Dr. Sherlita Amler. “It is also required by law.”
A pet that is up-to-date with its rabies vaccinations would only need to get a booster dose of vaccine within five days of the pet’s exposure to a known or suspected rabid animal. Animals not up-to-date with rabies vaccinations would need to be quarantined or potentially euthanized following contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal.
Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be on a leash. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled. No examinations will be given.
For appointments, call the animal hospital at 737-3608. The clinic is sponsored by the Westchester County Health Department.
All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at 813-5000.
To learn more about rabies and its prevention, visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.
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