(ITHACA, NY, September 21, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is sharing with the community two upcoming Rabies Vaccination Clinics for cats, dogs and ferrets.
Clinics will take place at the Town of Caroline Highway Garage (852 Valley Rd., Brooktondale) on Thursday, September 28th (7:00pm-9:00pm) and at the TCAT Bus Garage (737 Willow Ave, Ithaca) on Saturday, October 14th (11:00am-2:00pm). Pre-registration for appointments is encouraged.
New York State requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to have their first rabies vaccination between 3 and 4 months of age. TCWH’s Environmental Health Division holds rabies clinics throughout the year to ensure pets are protected. Clinics are held at no-cost, though donations are accepted.
Liz Cameron, Director of Environmental Health at TCWH stated, “We are pleased to provide this service to our community, to eliminate the cost of rabies vaccination as a barrier to keeping pets up to date. Rabies is a serious, life-threatening disease that can be easily prevented by keeping pets up to date on their vaccinations.”
Ferrets must be vaccinated yearly after the initial vaccine. Cats may receive either a 1-year or 3-year vaccine after the initial vaccine depending on the type of rabies vaccine given and whether proof of previous vaccination is available. Dogs receive a 3-year vaccine after the initial vaccine.
Pre-register online for an appointment slot or dial 2-1-1 for assistance. Please contact Environmental Health at 607-274-6688 with questions regarding the upcoming clinics.
Thursday, September 28, 2023:
- 852 Valley Road, Brooktondale (Town of Caroline Highway Garage)
- 7:00 PM – 9:00PM
- To pre-register, click here.
- This clinic is a walk-up clinic; please be advised you may need to stand and wait in a line.
Saturday, October 14, 2023:
- 737 Willow Ave., Ithaca (TCAT Bus Garage)
- 11:00 AM – 2:00PM
- To pre-register, click here.
- This clinic is a drive-through clinic; you must remain in your vehicle for this event. The drive-through clinic is recommended for those with mobility issues or for those with reactive dogs who would have difficulty waiting in a line.
Important reminders for participation in the Rabies Vaccination Clinic:
- Please bring your pets’ previous vaccination paperwork with you to the clinic so that we can provide the appropriate 1- or 3-year vaccine.
- Please ensure that pets are securely restrained. All ferrets and cats should be in carriers. Dogs should be on a leash or in a carrier.
- Vaccines are provided free of cost. Donations are accepted.
Learn more about Tompkins County’s rabies control and prevention online at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/rabies
Tompkins County Whole Health (formerly the Tompkins County Health Department) envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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