Drive-thru rabies clinics begin this month

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » Madison County Health Department’s Rabies Vaccination Clinics begin this year on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madison County Highway Garage at 139 North Court Street in Wampsville.

Rabies clinics are outdoors and participants may either drive or walk-thru. Appointments are required.

Madison County residents may schedule their pet’s appointment online at healthymadisoncounty.org. Pets will not be vaccinated without an appointment.

“We look forward to continuing to offer drive-thru clinics that are convenient and less stressful for pets,” said Environmental Health Director Aaron Lazzara.

Please note:

• Only pet owners with appointments will be allowed to participate.

• Do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment time or you may be asked to wait.

• Pets MUST be properly restrained using a leash and collar, harness, cage, or pet carrier.

Vaccinations are free to Madison County residents. Voluntary donations of $5.00 per pet are appreciated to help defray clinic costs.

Proof of previous vaccination is required to qualify for a threeyear certificate. Proof of previous vaccination may be shown at the clinic or submitted by mail or fax five days after the clinic.

Participants will receive their pet’s rabies certificates by email.

Public health law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated by 4 months of age. A second vaccination must be given within one year of the first, and pets must be actively immunized against rabies thereafter. This typically requires a booster vaccination every three years for dogs and cats, and annually for ferrets.

Pet owners who have an unvaccinated pet that comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal must choose to either euthanize the pet or place the unvaccinated pet into quarantine for 45 days to six months at the owner’s expense per current public health law. Avoid this decision by ensuring your dog, cat, or ferret is up to date with its rabies vaccinations.

Future clininc schedule includes: • Wednesday, May 18. Town of Cazenovia Highway Department, 3425 Constine Bridge Road, Cazenovia. Appointments open 3/18/22

• Wednesday, June 15. Chittenango Fire Department, 417 Genesee Street, Chittenango Appointments open 4/15/22

• Tuesday, July 19. Hamilton Village Police Department. Appointments open 5/19/22

• Saturday, August 13. Gorman Community Center Parking Lot, 1081 Northside Shopping Center, Oneida. Appointments open 6/13/22

• Tuesday, September 20. Town of Eaton Highway Department, 35 Cedar Street, Morrisville. Appointments open 7/20/22

For assistance with appointment scheduling, call (315) 3662526 Monday-friday 8:00 a.m.4:00 p,m. Go to Madison County Health Department’s rabies webpage to schedule an appointment and to view more clinic details, including hours.

“We look forward to continuing to offer drive-thru clinics that are convenient and less stressful for pets.”

— Environmental Health Director Aaron Lazzara

CARLY STONE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Kitten available for adoption through Wanderers’ Rest. Photo taken August 14, 2021.