Madison County Health Department announces 2018 rabies clinics
The Madison County Health Department has announced its schedule of rabies vaccination clinics for
2018. The first clinic will be held Wednesday, March 21, at the Madison Fire Department, 7362 Route 20, from 5-7pm. Vaccinations are offered free to Madison County residents. Voluntary donations are
appreciated to help defray clinic costs.
Proof of previous vaccination is required to qualify for a three-year certificate. All animals must be at least 3 months of age and properly restrained using a leash and collar, harness, cage or pet carrier.
Public health law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated by 4 months of age. A second vaccination must be given within one year of the first, and pets must be actively immunized against rabies thereafter. This typically requires a booster vaccination every three years for dogs and cats, and annually for ferrets. Owners of any dog, cat or ferret not current with their rabies vaccinations are in violation of public health law, and subject to a fine of up to $200 for each offense.
Rabies continues to be a problem in New York State and in Madison County. If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with any pet or wild animal you believe to be rabid, immediately wash the wound and seek medical attention if needed. Promptly call to report the incident to the Madison County Health Department at 315.366.2526, or call the Health Department in the county you live.
The Health Department will discuss the exposure with you to determine if treatment is necessary.
Note that rabies exposures may also occur from contact with a pet that has fought with a rabid animal.
Vaccinated animals that come in contact with a wild animal can receive a rabies booster within five days of exposure to be protected from the rabies virus. Pet owners who have an unvaccinated pet that comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, must choose to either euthanize the pet or place the unvaccinated pet into strict quarantine for six months at the owner’s expense per current public health law.
Avoid this decision by ensuring your dog, cat or ferret is up to date with its rabies vaccinations.
2018 Schedule of Rabies Vaccination Clinics
All dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated by 4 months of age, and actively immunized against rabies thereafter.
All pets must be at least 3 months of age. Pets receiving their first rabies shot must get a booster within 1 year.
All pets must be restrained on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Proof of previous vaccination is required to qualify for a three-year certificate. Accepted forms of proof: (a) “Certificate of Vaccination” obtained from a veterinarian or Madison County Department of Health or (b) “Dog license” showing rabies expiration date.
Rabies vaccinations are offered free of charge to Madison County residents. A voluntary $5 donation per pet is requested to help defray clinic costs.
MARCH 21 – Wednesday
Madison Fire Department, 7362 Route 20, Madison from 5 to 7 p.m.
APRIL 7 – Saturday
Chittenango Fire Department, 417 Genesee Street, Chittenango from 9 a.m. to noon
APRIL 17 – Tuesday
Fenner Town Garage, Nelson Road, Nelson from 5 to 7 p.m.
MAY 15 – Tuesday
Stockbridge Highway Dept., 5320 N. Main St (Route 46), Munnsville from 5 to 7 p.m.
JUNE 2 – Saturday
Wampsville Highway Dept., 139 North Court Street, Wampsville from 9 a.m. to noon
JUNE 19 – Tuesday
Morrisville Town of Eaton, Highway Garage, 35 Cedar Street, Morrisville from 5 to 7 p.m.
JULY 10 – Tuesday
Madison County, Fairgrounds, 1968 Fairground Rd, Brookfield from 5 to 7 p.m.
AUGUST 1 – Wednesday
Canastota Fireman’s Field, Hickory Street, Canastota from 5 to 7 p.m.
AUGUST 15 – Wednesday
New Woodstock Fire Dept., 2632 Mill Street, New Woodstock from 5 to 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 10 – Wednesday
Bridgeport Fire Department, 427 State Route 31, Bridgeport from 5 to 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 23 – Tuesday
Wampsville Highway Dept., 139 North Court Street, Wampsville from 5 to 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 1 – Saturday
Oneida Vets Memorial Field, 260 North Main Street, Oneida from 9 to 11:30 a.m.