A free rabies vaccination clinic for pets of county residents is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the Cuddebackville Firehouse, 15 Route 211 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is being put together by the Department of Health and the Town of Deerpark.
“Ensuring your family’s pet is properly vaccinated prior to possible exposure is critical to protecting yourself, your pet, and your community from rabies,” said Dr. Eli Avila, the county’s commissioner of health. “When the family dog or cat is unvaccinated and exposed to rabies it can threaten the lives of all family members.”
Pre-registration is recommended. The clinic is open to cats, dogs, and ferrets on a leash or in a carrier with proof of prior vaccination
Avila also offered these guidelines for staying safe from rabies:
- Never touch unfamiliar or wild animals.
- Avoid direct contact with stray animals. Stray cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies may not have been vaccinated against rabies.
- If you are bitten, wash bite wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
- If your pet is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately.
- Never adopt wild animals including cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies or bring them into your home.
- Do not attempt to nurse sick or injured wild animals back to health. Call an animal control person or an animal rescue group so they can take care of the animal safely.
- Make sure your trash cans are secure and do not leave pet food out. You do not want to attract wild animals to your home.
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