Poloncarz announces January rabies clinic

Free vaccinations for dogs, cats, ferrets at North Buffalo Community Center Jan. 28

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, along with Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein and Erie County Legislator Peter Savage (3^rd District), have announced a free rabies vaccination clinic has been scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 3-7 p.m. at the North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road, Buffalo (located off Colvin Boulevard, south of Kenmore Avenue).

Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Residents are asked to bring their pet to the clinic either on a leash or in a carrier, and to bring along each animal's vaccination record as well, if possible.

"These free rabies clinics continue to be very popular with pet owners, with nearly 5,000 vaccinations administered in 2014 alone," Poloncarz said. "State law directs that pets must be vaccinated against rabies, so I encourage pet owners to be sure their pets are up-to-date in their vaccinations and to take advantage of this free service if they need to. I also want to thank the Department of Health and their partners for the hard work they do and for once again making this vital service available to residents."

The rabies clinic is conducted by the Erie County Department of Health in association with the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, the Medaille College Veterinary Technology Program, and the SPCA Serving Erie County.

In 2014, a total of 4,842 pets (3,572 dogs, 1,244 cats and 26 ferrets) received free rabies vaccinations at clinics held in January, May and September. In Erie County, there were 25 confirmed cases of rabies (16 bats, five raccoons, two cats, one fox and one skunk).

Burstein added, "Rabies vaccinations are essential to protecting pets and keeping families safe, as well. This free service is a good way to both take care of our four-legged friends and ensure that vaccinations are current, so pet owners should circle this date and plan on attending the clinic."

"I commend the efforts of the partners involved for conducting these clinics, which have had such a positive impact and have vaccinated so many pets," Savage said. "Our pets are healthier and our community is safer because of these clinics, and I hope more pet owners will be a part of the upcoming clinic."