MAYVILLE, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Health Department is hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic later this month. Animals must be pre-registered to receive vaccinations, which will be provided free of charge to all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older.
The clinic will be on Saturday July 29, 2023 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Town of Poland Highway Department, 533 Grubb Hill Kennedy, NY. The clinic is co-sponsored by the Town of Poland and Chautauqua County Health Department. Dr. Katie Ball will be the attending veterinarian.
To pre-register online for the July 29th Town of Poland clinic visit https://shorturl.at/jNU39 or scan the code below.
There are a limited number of spots available, so pet owners should pre-register online as soon as possible. If you register, but decide not to attend the event, please cancel your appointment so the spot is available for another pet. You can cancel appointments via the confirmation email you receive when you register. Walk-ins may be accepted, but are not guaranteed.
At the clinics, vehicles will enter and follow the established traffic pattern on-site. Pet owners will stay in their vehicles with their pets, unless otherwise instructed. Pet owners must bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm previous rabies vaccination records. All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.
New York State Public Health Law requires each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies. County residents are encouraged to be responsible pet owners by having their pets vaccinated.
Rabies is a very serious disease of warm-blooded animals caused by a virus. Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common disease carriers. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through saliva and can enter the body through a bite, scratch, or open cut. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause brain swelling and ultimately death within days of the onset of symptoms.
For more information about the clinic and rabies in general, visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention or contact Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.