Niagara County DOH to offer drive-thru rabies clinic in NT

The Niagara County Department of Health announced plans for a no cost, drive-thru rabies clinic from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the North Tonawanda Department of Public Works, 758 Erie Ave. The clinic will be available by appointment only.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Health has instituted additional safety protocols.

“In order to maintain social distancing and manage crowds that would typically arrive at a rabies clinic, certain new protocols are being established to protect both the workers and the public from possible asymptomatic (infectious, yet symptom-free) persons,” said Scott Ecker, associate supervising public health engineer.

Preregistration is required and will open at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, with appointments taken online at https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Services/Environmental-Health/Rabies/Rabies-Clinic. Once all appointment slots are filled, registration will close and no additional appointments will be accepted.

The Department of Health said a preregistration form must be completed regarding one’s pet’s information. Proof of prior vaccination must be provided via email to qualify for a three-year vaccination, otherwise a one-year vaccination will be issued.

Those arriving by car are requested to remain in their vehicle while awaiting instructions. Face masks are required for all visitors.

“Department staff will be utilizing these measures to ensure community safety while still providing essential animal vaccination services for dogs, cats and ferrets, Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton said. “Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Niagara County. Rabies is a viral disease that nearly always results in death of the animal that is not adequately protected with a rabies vaccination. Ideally, a pet owner utilizes their veterinary office near them to receive these services. These rabies clinics are intended to bridge the gap for pet owners who have had difficulty scheduling a routine check-up for their pet with their veterinarian.”

For more information, visit https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Services/Environmental-Health/Rabies/Rabies-Clinic. Visitors may also call 716-439-7490 to have a staff member help with registration.