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The event, from 8 a.m. to noon, at 636 Violet Ave., will offer Dutchess County residents the opportunity to obtain rabies shots free of charge for their dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets 3 months of age and older. Proof of residency is required. Non-residents will be charged $10 for each pet vaccinated.
All dogs must be on a leash, and cats and domestic ferrets must be in carriers. Vaccinations will be good for three years for pets with proper proof of a prior immunization. For those without proof, the vaccination will be good for one year.
In New York State, rabies shots are required for all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets by the age of four months. Re-vaccination is then required on a regular schedule to keep the animal properly immunized against the rabies virus. Owners can be fined up to $200 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up-to-date.
If a pet is not up-to-date on its rabies vaccination and fights with a rabid or suspect-rabid animal, the pet must be promptly destroyed or placed in quarantine for six months to protect other animals and people in case the pet develops rabies.
To learn more about rabies during business hours, call 845-486-3404 or visit the department’s webpage.
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