ELIZABETHTOWN — By law, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age in New York State must be vaccinated against rabies.
As in the past, public health agencies have arranged for free clinics, though suggested donations, usually five dollars per animal, are appreciated.
To expedite matters, it is important that pet owners bring information such as an inoculation record to the clinics even if pre-registered. This helps determine if the animal just needs a booster shot or a first vaccination.
The booster protects for a three-year period, while the first vaccination has to be followed up within a year. Ferrets must receive yearly vaccinations.
In addition, many towns require dogs to be registered, and town clerks may be present at the sites to take applications.
Some rabies facts from local health officials:
• All mammals, including livestock are susceptible to rabies. The most common non-domesticated animals affected are raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, bats, porcupines, and groundhogs.
• If you see a wild animal acting strangely or it comes up to you, contact an animal control officer, the DEC, or the police. Do not come in contact with it.
• If you are forced to shoot it, avoid hitting it in the head as brain tissue is used for testing. Rabies is carried in the animal’s saliva, mucus membranes or nerve tissues. If your pet comes in contact with a wild animal, wear rubber gloves and wash the animal with soap and water.
• If your pet bites a person and you wish to avoid it having to be euthanized, it must be confined, generally in the owner’s home and observed for ten days. If a pet is not up-to-date on its rabies shots, the ten-day confinement/observation period must take place, at the owner’s expense, at an appropriate facility such as an animal shelter, veterinarian’s office, or kennel.
• During the ten-day confinement period, the county or a designated party must verify that your pet is under confinement and observation. In addition, if a dog, cat or domesticated ferret is not up-to-date on its vaccinations or is not properly confined after biting someone; pet owners can be subject to a fine not to exceed $200 for each offense.
APPOINTMENTS
To schedule an appointment:
The public health departments all request scheduling an appointment prior to the clinics.
To find a location, date and time of a rabies clinic closest to you, contact the following:
• Clinton County — clintonhealth.org/rabiesclinics/ or call 518-565-4870
• Essex County – essexcountyny.gov/Health/rabies-clinics/ or call 518- 873-3500
• Franklin County franklincountyny.gov/departments/human_services/public_health/clinics.php or call 518-481-1710.
Email Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@gmail.com