East Hudson Valley News

Poughkeepsie—The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) and the Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA) will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 20th. The event will take place at Poughkeepsie Town Hall, located at 1 Overocker Road, from 8 a.m. to noon. This clinic is open to dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets aged three months and older. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at DCSPCA.org or by calling the DCSPCA at 845-452-7722, extension 425.

The clinic is free for Dutchess County residents; non-residents will incur a fee of $10 per pet vaccinated. All dogs must be on leashes, while cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will last for three years if proper proof of prior immunization is provided; otherwise, the vaccination will be valid for one year.

New York State law mandates rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by the age of four months. Pet owners are required to revaccinate their animals regularly to maintain immunity against the rabies virus.

DBCH offers assistance around the clock for any questions or concerns regarding potential rabies exposure to people or domestic animals. Pet owners should report any incidents where their pet has been bitten by or exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of another animal. DBCH staff will investigate and advise on necessary steps to ensure the safety of the pet.

Residents who observe an animal acting unusually are advised to contact their local police agency. If a person or domestic pet has been bitten or come into contact with another animal, they should immediately contact DBCH at 845-486-3404 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or at 845-431-6465 during nights and weekends.

For more information about rabies, visit dutchessny.gov/rabies or contact DCBH at ehs@dutchessny.gov.