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Sponsored by the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH), the clinic will be held at the Amenia Town Hall, 4988 State Highway 22, 8 a.m. to noon.
Held In partnership with the Dutchess County SPCA, the clinic will offer residents the opportunity to obtain rabies shots free of charge for their dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets 3 months of age and older. Proof of residency is required. Non-residents will be charged $10 for each pet vaccinated.
“Our pet rabies vaccination clinics offer Dutchess County pet owners a great opportunity to have their dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated giving them protection should they encounter a rabid animal,” said DBCH Commissioner Dr. A. K. Vaidian. “I am especially pleased to have the Dutchess County SPCA assist us with administering these vaccines and the Town of Amenia for providing its facility.”
All dogs must be on a leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will be good for three years for pets with proper proof of a prior immunization. For those without proof, the vaccination will be good for one year.
Vaidian reminds pet owners of the importance of vaccinating all dogs, cats, and ferrets, even if they are considered “house pets” and remain indoors.
If a pet is not up-to-date on its rabies vaccination and fights with a rabid or suspect-rabid animal, the pet must be destroyed or placed in quarantine for six months to protect other animals and people in case the pet develops rabies. These mandates are not required for a vaccinated pet in the same situation. In such cases, only a booster dose of rabies vaccine would be given within five days to treat the pet.
To learn more about rabies during business hours, call (845) 486-3404 or www.DutchessNY.gov/DBCH.
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