Save the dates: Erie County Department of Health announces dates for free rabies vaccination clinics

Protect public health by protecting pet health

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is announcing scheduled dates for its free rabies vaccination clinics on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Tuesday, Sept. 29. Registrations will be required for these events, and the online registration will open Sept. 9. No walk-ins will be permitted. Locations, times and registration information for these events will be announced Sept. 9. Dogs, cats and ferrets that are 4 months of age and older are eligible for this clinic.

Due to expected demand, ECDOH is limiting registrations to three pets per vehicle. Staff are asking pet owners to limit the number of people in the vehicle. Face masks or cloth face coverings will be required at all times, and physical distancing will be strictly enforced by clinic staff.

“Our vector control program staff has had to make significant changes to the way our rabies clinics will operate,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “With support from our partners at the Medaille College Veterinary Program, Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, SPCA Serving Erie County and volunteers from Erie County SMART, we are looking forward to resuming this very popular service for Erie County pet owners.”

“We are urging pet owners to make sure their animals’ vaccinations are up to date,” said Senior Public Health Sanitarian Peter Tripi. “COVID-19 has disrupted all types of health care, including veterinary health, and a rabies vaccination is an easy way to prevent a disease that is fatal to pets, wildlife and humans.”

Pet owners are asked to bring proof of vaccination with them to the event in order to receive a three-year vaccination certificate; otherwise, a one-year certificate will be given.

For more information, visit https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=rabies-information.