Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester pet owners can get free rabies shots for their dogs, cats and ferrets at a county clinic Saturday, Sept. 26, in Briarcliff Manor.
The Westchester County Department of Health is sponsoring the clinic at the SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., according to a county announcement published Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Appointments are required. Residents must call (914) 941-2896, extension 110, to schedule.
New York State law requires dogs and cats to receive a first rabies vaccination by four months of age.
A second shot is due within one year, followed by boosters every one or three years depending on the vaccine. Owners who do not comply face fines of up to $2,000.
"To protect your pets and your family in case of contact with animals that may carry rabies, verify that your pets' rabies vaccines are up to date, and take advantage of this free rabies clinic if needed," Dr. Sherlita Amler, Westchester County health commissioner, said in the announcement.
The county Health Department said rabies exposures have occurred throughout Westchester during encounters with stray and feral cats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes and even a bear cub. Bats also carry the virus.
A pet with current vaccinations would need only a booster within five days of exposure to a rabid or suspect-rabid animal. An unvaccinated pet exposed to rabies could face quarantine or euthanasia.
What to bring and know:
- Proof of prior rabies vaccination, if available
- An adult must supervise each pet
- Cats and ferrets must arrive in carriers
- Dogs must be on leashes; aggressive dogs must be muzzled
- No exams will be given for aggressive, unmuzzled dogs
Residents who are bitten by an animal should wash the wound with warm soapy water, see a doctor and call the Health Department at (914) 813-5000. After-hours recorded instructions are available for reporting a public health emergency.
More information is available from the Westchester County Department of Health.
