Westchester is holding a free rabies vaccine clinic for pets: here’s when

The free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats and ferrets on Sunday, May 5, at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle on Quaker Ridge Rd. 61, Westchester officials announced.

The vaccinations will be distributed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and no appointments are required. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier and dogs must be on a leash. In addition, aggressive dogs must be muzzled.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler urged residents to consider bringing their pets.

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies will protect your pet and your family if your pet has had contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal,” Amler said.

Under New York law, dogs and cats must receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months after birth and must receive a second rabies vaccination within a year of the first. Depending on the vaccine used, additional boosters must then be given every one to three years.

Owners who fail to vaccinate their pets could be fined up to $2,000.

According to country officials, rabies is a fatal disease and mainly affects raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. However, pets such as cats and dogs can also be at risk if they come into contact with these animals.

Signs of rabies include:

• Abnormal aggression or tameness;
• Loss of fear of people;
• Excitement or irritability;
• Spit or foam in the mouth.

Any suspected contact with rabid animals should be reported to the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

Click here to follow Daily Voice New Rochelle and receive free news updates.