The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) is partnering with the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (HVARS) for a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, November 22nd from 10am-1pm at Amenia Town Hall, located at 4988 State Route 22. Rabies vaccines will be available for dogs, cats and domestic ferrets that are three-months of age and older. Pre-registration is required; registration opens on Wednesday, November 5th at hvars.org.
The clinic is free for Dutchess County residents and $15 per pet for non-residents. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be 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 at a cost of $45 per pet, and a one-year distemper vaccine for $25 per pet.
Under New York State law, rabies vaccinations are required for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by the age of four months. Owners are required to maintain regular vaccinations to ensure their pet is properly immunized against the rabies virus. Those who fail to comply, can be fined up to $200 if their pets are found to not be up to date on rabies vaccination.
Residents who see an animal acting strangely are advised to contact their local police agency. If a person or a domestic pet is bitten or is in contact with any animal, please contact DCDOH at 845-486-3404 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 845-431-6465 on nights and weekends. Staff will investigate and advise the pet owner of any necessary steps to ensure the safety of their animal.
To learn more about rabies, visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or contact DCDOH at ehs@dutchessny.gov.