ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — The Erie County Department of Health announced it will be holding two free rabies vaccination clinics in September.
The first rabies vaccination clinic will take place on Saturday, September 19. The second clinic will be happening on Tuesday, September 29. Dogs, cats and ferrets that are 3 months old and older are eligible.
“We are urging pet owners to make sure their animals’ vaccinations are up to date,” Senior Public Health Sanitarian Peter Tripi said. “COVID-19 has disrupted all types of health care, including veterinary health, and a rabies vaccination is an easy way to prevent a disease that is fatal to pets, wildlife and humans.”
The department of health says registration will be required for both events; walk-ins will not be permitted. Those looking to attend can either register online here or by calling (716) 961-6800.
Due to expected demand, the Erie County Department of Health is limiting registrations to three pets per vehicle. Pet owners are also asked to bring proof of vaccination with them in order to receive a three-year vaccination certificate, otherwise a one-year certificate will be given.
“Our Vector Control Program staff has had to make significant changes to the way our rabies clinics will operate,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein said. “With support from our partners at the Medaille College Veterinary Program, Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, SPCA Serving Erie County and volunteers from Erie County SMART, we are looking forward to resuming this very popular service for Erie County pet owners.”
The department of health says face masks or cloth face coverings will be required at all times, and physical distancing will be strictly enforced by clinic staff. Pet owners are also asked to limit the number of people in the vehicle.
The first clinic is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Erie Community College South Campus, located at 4041 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park.
The second clinic is scheduled to happen Tuesday, September 29, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Erie Community College North Campus located at 6205 Main Street in Williamsville (off Youngs Road or Tech Drive).
