The Niagara County Department of Health has set up several free rabies immunization clinics for the year.
Appointments are required and may be scheduled online www.niagaracounty.com/rabiesclinic or by calling (716) 439-7490. Registration opens the first business day of the week of the clinic date. A separate registration is required for each pet. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Dog and cat owners are asked to bring proof of their pet’s vaccination with them to the clinic in order to receive a 3-year vaccination certificate; otherwise, a one-year certificate will be issued. Ferrets will be issued a one-year certificate. Dogs must be secured with a collar and leash or be in a carrier. Please do not use retractable leashes. Cats and ferrets must be secured in a carrier.
Upcoming clinics (all times 9 a.m. to noon):
• April 13 — Town of Hartland salt shed, 3542 Wruck Road
• June 1 — Hyde Park-Oasis/Centennial Pavilion, 911 Robbins Drive, Niagara Falls
• July 13 — Town of Lewiston Highway Garage, 1445 Swann Road
• Sept. 14 — Town of Lockport Highway Department, 6560 Dysinger Road
• Dec. 7 — City of North Tonawanda Public Works Department, 758 Erie Ave.
Niagara County Department of Health rabies clinics are coordinated with the support of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society.
Rabies vaccination prevents fatal disease in dogs, cats and ferrets. Rabies is a viral disease that in most cases results in death of the animal not adequately protected with a rabies vaccination. New York State law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations from four months of age and on. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans. Rabies vaccination protects your pet and reduces your risk of exposure to rabies.