Westchester officials announced that free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats and ferrets on Sunday, May 5 at Stamen Animal Hospital, 61 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle.
No reservations are required for vaccinations, which will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cats and ferrets must be kept in carrier bags and dogs must be leashed. Additionally, aggressive dogs should be muzzled.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Sharita Amler urged residents to consider bringing their pets with them.
“Having your pet vaccinated against rabies protects your pet and your family in case your pet comes into contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal,” Amler said.
New York state law requires dogs and cats to receive their first rabies vaccine within four months of age, and their second rabies vaccine within one year of their first rabies vaccination. Additional boosters may then need to be given every one to three years, depending on the vaccine used.
Owners who fail to vaccinate their pets can be fined up to $2,000.
Rabies is a deadly disease that most commonly affects raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes, according to state officials. However, pets such as cats and dogs can also be at risk if they come into contact with these animals.
Signs of rabies include:
- Unusual aggressiveness or submissiveness.
- Lose your fear of people.
- excitement or irritability;
- Spit or foam from the mouth.
Suspected contact with a rabid animal should be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
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