Westchester County is offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle on September 14 and November 9. The clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and reservations can be made by calling (914) 632-1269. Pets will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Adults must supervise their pets, bring proof of prior rabies vaccination, and follow safety requirements such as leashing dogs and using carriers for cats and ferrets.
Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health, stated: “Vaccinating your pet against rabies will protect your pet and your family in case of contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal.”
New York State law mandates that dogs and cats receive their first rabies shot by four months old, followed by a second shot within one year, then boosters every one or three years depending on the vaccine type. Noncompliance may result in fines up to $2,000.
Rabies is fatal and spreads through bites or saliva from infected animals. In Westchester County, exposures have occurred through encounters with stray cats and kittens as well as wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, bears, and bats. Domestic pets are vulnerable if they come into contact with these animals.
If a vaccinated pet is exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal, only a booster dose within five days is needed. Unvaccinated pets may face quarantine or euthanasia after exposure.
Behavioral changes are often an early sign of rabies infection in animals; symptoms can include aggression or unusual tameness along with physical signs like staggering or foaming at the mouth.
Animal bites should be washed immediately with warm soapy water. All bites should be reported to both a doctor and the Health Department at (914) 813-5000; after hours calls should follow recorded emergency instructions.
Amler also said: “If you, your child or your pet are bitten or scratched by someone else’s pet, wash the wound right away, seek medical attention immediately, call the Health Department and get the name and address of the owner so that the biting pet’s rabies vaccine records can be verified. That way, the bite victim may be able to avoid a series of rabies shots.”
Residents are advised not to touch wild animals or unfamiliar domestic animals regardless of their condition to reduce risk of exposure. Those who notice erratic animal behavior outdoors should avoid contact and notify local authorities.
In cases where pets fight other animals or are exposed to potentially rabid wildlife, owners should use gloves when handling their pets and contact veterinarians as well as animal control officers promptly.
Pet owners whose animals bite others must confine their pets immediately and inform the Health Department while ensuring vaccines remain current per state regulations.
More information about rabies prevention is available at www.westchestergov.com/health; updates can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept or Twitter @wchealthdept.
