Please bring your dog, cat, or ferret. County residents will be able to bring their pets to New Rochelle for free vaccinations next month.
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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Westchester County residents will be able to bring their pets for free rabies vaccinations next month.
The Stamen Animal Hospital clinic at 61 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle will be welcoming dogs, cats and even ferrets on Sunday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furry The shots to protect our friends are free and no appointment is required. However, please be sure to bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccination.
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If you are a pet owner, please call 914-632-1269 for more information about next month's free rabies vaccination clinic.
Testing is not performed at the Vaccine Clinic at Stammen Animal Hospital. All pets must be supervised at all times while at the clinic. Cats and ferrets must be kept in carrier bags and dogs must be leashed. Aggressive dogs should be muzzled.
“Keeping your pet vaccinated against rabies protects you and your family in the event your pet comes into contact with an animal that has or may have rabies,” said Dr. Sharita Amler, Westchester County Health Department. ” he said.
Recently strengthened New York state law requires dogs and cats to receive their first rabies vaccine within four months of age. After the first vaccination he must receive her second rabies booster within one year. The rules require additional booster shots every one or three years thereafter, depending on the vaccine used. Pet owners who do not vaccinate their pets or do not keep their pets up to date with booster vaccinations could be fined up to $2,000 for the violation.
According to the health department, the animals most commonly infected with rabies include raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Pets are also considered to be at high risk, as they can easily contract rabies through the bites and saliva of wild and stray animals they may encounter.
Health officials say pets that are up to date with their rabies vaccine only need a booster shot within five days of contact with a known or suspected rabid animal. Family pets that are not vaccinated against rabies may be quarantined or euthanized after contact with a rabid animal.
The first sign of rabies is often a change in the animal's behavior. Animals with rabies may become unusually aggressive or unusually docile. Infected animals may stagger, spit, or foam at the mouth. All animal bites or contact with suspected rabid animals should be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at 914-813-5000.
Animal lovers can find the latest news and alerts about rabies incidents in Westchester County on the health department's website.
