ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Health Department announces its FREE Spring Rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics will be held from 7 PM-9:00 PM on the following dates and at these locations:
- Lansing Central Fire Station Wednesday May 2
- Danby Fire Station Thursday May 3
- Dryden Tompkins County SPCA Wednesday May 9
- Enfield Highway Garage Thursday May 10
- Ithaca Highway Garage Wednesday May 16
Pre-registration is available for each clinic by calling the Health Department or online through the TCHD website: http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies#clinics. Walk-ins will be accepted the day of the clinic on a first come first serve basis.
Proof of prior vaccination is required to receive a three year certificate for cats and dogs. If there is no proof of prior vaccination, a one year certificate will be issued. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
In 2017, Tompkins County had 13 confirmed rabid animals including one cat, four raccoons, five bats and three foxes. This is a reminder that whether indoors or outdoors, people and pets are at risk of contracting rabies. To protect yourself from rabies exposure and to avoid unnecessary treatment, the Health Department reminds everyone to:
Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 607-274-6688:
- All animal bites.
- Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, sleeping or impaired person.
- Call the Health Department prior to releasing a captured bat to determine if rabies testing is necessary.
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats, dogs, and wild animals.
- Avoid handling pets or objects that may be contaminated with saliva from a potentially rabid animal without wearing protective gloves. If you have been exposed to saliva, then wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
- Obtain the name, address and telephone number of the owner when bitten by a cat, dog or ferret.
- Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date.
Follow the Tompkins County Health Department on Facebook. More information can be found at http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies#clinics.