Free Rabies Clinic Offered by the Chemung County Health Department

NEWS RELEASE

November 8, 2023

"Free Rabies Clinic Offered by the Chemung County Health Department"

The Chemung County Health Department, in conjunction with the SPCA, will be offering the following free rabies vaccination clinic to New York State residents. This is the last free clinic for 2023.

Economic Opportunity Program (EOP)

650 Baldwin St., Elmira, NY 14901

Saturday, November 18, 2023

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Registration is required. The link for pre-registration can be found on Chemung County's website (www.chemungcountyny.gov/rabies) and the Health Department's Facebook page. Please arrive at your designated appointment time.

Cats, dogs, and ferrets, three months of age or older, must be on a leash or in a carrier and under the control of a responsible adult. Erin Walmsley, Supervising Public Health Sanitarian with the Chemung County Health Department, reminds dog and cat owners to bring proof of a previous rabies vaccination if they wish to receive a three-year certificate for their pets. To ensure the smooth operation of the clinic, Ms. Walmsley recommends that owners have one adult per pet. Dog owners should also come prepared to clean up after their animals should accidents occur. Cat owners lacking carriers should talk to clinic staff before removing their animal from their vehicles.

The NYS Sanitary Code and Public Health Law require vaccinating all cats, dogs, and ferrets (four months of age or older) to prevent rabies. Please be aware that pet owners who do not comply with NYS Public Health Law rabies vaccination requirements may be subject to a fine of up to $200. Free rabies clinics are provided at least every four months throughout the year, so there should be no excuse for a pet owner not to vaccinate their pet. Residents are urged to take advantage of these free clinics to be responsible pet owners and avoid violating the law.

For more information or special assistance at the clinic, contact the Chemung County Health Department at 737-2019 or [email protected].

Christopher J. Moss
Chemung County Executive