(WNY News Now) – Village of Falconer, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Health Department has announced a free rabies vaccination clinic.  Animals must be pre-registered to receive vaccinations.  Vaccinations will be provided free of charge to all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older.

While supplies last, distemper shots and/or microchips will also be available through the Chautauqua County Humane Society at no cost.

The clinic will be on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Village of Falconer Highway Dept. 1 Coleson Drive. The clinic is co-sponsored by the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

To pre-register online visit rb.gy/tbh4cg  

There are a limited number of spots available, so pet owners should pre-register online as soon as possible.  If you register but decide not to attend the event, please cancel your appointment so the spot is available for another pet.  You can cancel appointments via the confirmation email you receive when you register.  Walk-ins may be accepted toward the end of the clinic, but are not guaranteed.

At the clinics, vehicles will enter and follow the established traffic pattern on-site.  Pet owners will stay in their vehicles with their pets, unless otherwise instructed. Pet owners must bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm previous rabies vaccination records.  All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.

New York State Public Health Law requires each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies. County residents are encouraged to be responsible pet owners by having their pets vaccinated.

Rabies is a very serious disease of warm-blooded animals caused by a virus. Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common disease carriers. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through saliva and can enter the body through a bite, scratch, or open cut. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause brain swelling and ultimately death within days of the onset of symptoms.

For more information about the clinic call the Chautauqua County Humane Society 716-665-2209.  For general rabies information, visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention or contact Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.

About Chautauqua County Health Department – The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health.  The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness.  For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.