The Town of Oyster Bay will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Councilwoman Michele M. Johnson. The clinic, which is conducted in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health and the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, will be held at the Town Animal Shelter located on 150 Miller Place, Syosset.
Johnson said that by law, all dogs in Nassau County must be licensed and inoculated against rabies. While the license law does not extend to cats or ferrets, state law does require that they be vaccinated as well.
Johnson noted that it is recommended for dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years after. Dogs must be on leashes when inside the clinic and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers. Personnel from the town’s shelter will be on hand to help with the large number of animals expected in addition to assisting residents interested in adopting a dog or cat.
The clinic will also be offering to microchip pets for $25. Microchips carry a unique identification number for a pet so if they ever get lost they can be taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter where they will be scanned for the unique microchip ID number. No reservations are necessary for the clinic.
Johnson added that voluntary donations to the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Health Fund will be gratefully accepted and will go a long way towards keeping pets happy and healthy. For further information, contact the shelter at 516-677-5784 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
—Submitted by the Town of OysterBay
