The following is a republished press release from the Tompkins County Health Department and NOT written by The Ithaca Voice …  click here to submit community announcements directly to The Voice, or email tips@ithacavoice.com.

(ITHACA, NY, April 4, 2017) – The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) announces its FREE Spring Rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics will be held from 7 PM-9PM on the following dates and at these locations:

  • Lansing           Central Fire Station               Wednesday     May 3
  • Danby              Danby Fire Station                 Thursday         May 4
  • Dryden            Tompkins County SPCA       Wednesday     May 10
  • Enfield            New Highway Garage            Thursday          May 11
    Ithaca              Highway Garage                      Wednesday    May 17

Pre-registration is available for each clinic by calling the Health Department or online through the TCHD website:http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies .

Walk-ins will be accepted the day of the clinic on a first come first serve basis.

Proof of prior vaccination is required to receive a three-year certificate for cats and dogs. If there is no proof of prior vaccination, a one year certificate will be issued. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.

New York State Public Health Law requires all cats, dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Failure to vaccinate may result in the loss of your pet!  Protect your pet. Protect your family.

In 2016, Tompkins County had 12 confirmed rabid animals including two raccoons, a skunk, and a bat in situations that involved encounters with dogs. This is a reminder that whether indoors or outdoors, people and pets are at risk of contracting rabies.

Vaccination of your pets is your first line of defense. Report all bites by domestic animals and incidents involving direct contact with wild animals to the Tompkins County Health Department immediately. If you find a bat in your home, do not release or discard it. Call the Health Department immediately at 607-274-6688 for further instructions.

To find out more, please visit: http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies

Featured photo by Anja Pietsch, courtesy of Flickr.