Health Department Offers Free Rabies Shots For Rockland Pets

NEW CITY, NY — Free rabies vaccinations are available for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland County residents this spring. The Health Department is running a clinic on April 30.

"Animal rabies is a life-threatening contagious disease that is almost always fatal. So, prevention is the best medicine," Rabies Program Coordinator Mandar Mhatre said in an announcement. "We remind all Rockland County residents to ensure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up-to-date."

To get a free rabies shot:

• Your dog, cat, or ferret must be healthy.
• Your pet must be older than three months.
• Your dogs must be on a leash.
• Your cats and ferrets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $250 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up-to-date.

The free clinic requires appointment for each animal. You can register for an appointment online. For assistance making an appointment, call (845) 364-2656.

The shots are free; however, a $5 donation per animal will help defray costs, officials said.

• WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30. Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Check Facebook.com/rocklandgov for weather-related cancellations before arrival.
• WHERE: Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen’s Memorial Drive in Pomona.

"Save your pets, your family, and yourself from rabies. Please take advantage of this opportunity to get your dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated against rabies to protect them and the other members of your family from this disease," said County Executive Ed Day.

All animal bites and animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to The Rockland County Health Department at (845) 364-2656. After hours, callers should contact the sheriff at (845) 364-8600.

For more information on animal rabies or the rabies vaccine, call the Rockland County Department of Health at (845) 364-2656 or visit the website.