Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic Coming To Town Animal Shelter

SYOSSET, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay, in partnership with the Nassau County Department of Health, will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets next week.

The vaccination clinic will be held on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the town's animal shelter, located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset. No reservations are necessary.

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. If an unvaccinated pet or one that's overdue for its vaccination comes into contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for six months. However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination. To protect your family and your pet, it is essential that your animals have up-to-date rabies inoculations.

It is recommended for dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years thereafter. Dogs must be on leash at all times and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers.

The clinic also offers to microchip pets for $25. Microchips carry a unique identification number for a pet so if they ever get lost they can be taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter where they will be scanned for the unique microchip ID number. No reservations are necessary for the clinic.

For more information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter at (516) 677-5784 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.