East Hudson Valley News

The Dutchess County Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA), will provide a free rabies vaccination clinic on Sunday, October 20th. The event will be held at the DCSPCA Adoptions and Education Center located at 636 Violet Avenue in Hyde Park 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 begins on Friday, September 20th. Residents can register online at DCSPCA.org or by calling the DCSPCA at 845-452-7722, extension 425.

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

New York State law mandates rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by four months of age. Pet owners must follow a regular revaccination schedule to maintain immunity against the rabies virus.

DOH offers round-the-clock assistance for questions or concerns regarding potential rabies exposure to people or pets. Pet owners should report any incidents where their pet has been bitten or exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of another animal. DOH staff will investigate such cases and advise pet owners on necessary safety measures.

Residents observing an animal behaving unusually should contact their local police agency. If a person or pet has been bitten or has had contact with another animal, they should immediately contact DOH at 845-486-3404 during business hours (Monday through Friday from 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 email DCBH at ehs@dutchessny.gov.

___