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Schenectady County Announces Drive Thru Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Pets

Photo of cat and dog with text: Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic Schenectady County

Free to Schenectady County Residents

Schenectady County will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for cats, ferrets, and dogs in Rotterdam on September 28. The clinic is free to Schenectady County residents. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers, and dogs must be leashed. Schenectady County vaccinated a total of 436 dogs and 236 cats at four clinics in 2023.

Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS) hosts drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics to make it easier for residents and families to keep their pets’ vaccines up to date. Residents register online for an appointment time and provide information about their animals. This allows SCPHS to create a vaccination certificate for each scheduled pet. Using a drive-thru model has reduced stress on animals and wait times and allowed residents with more than one type of pet to receive vaccines during the same appointment.

“Vaccinating your pets against rabies is vital for their safety and the protection of your family and community,” said Schenectady County Legislator Omar McGill, Vice Chair of the Health, Housing & Human Services Committee. “We encourage residents to take advantage of our free vaccination clinic to help prevent the spread of rabies and ensure their pets are protected from this dangerous disease.”

Event Information

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: South Schenectady Fire Department

                 6 Old Mariaville Road in Rotterdam

Schenectady County residents can learn more about rabies or schedule a vaccination appointment at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/rabies-vaccine or by calling (518) 386-2818. Appointments are limited.

Capture the Bat

Bats can carry rabies. If you or a loved one are bitten by a bat, touch a bat, wake up to a bat in your room, or find a bat in a room with an unattended child, SCPHS encourages you to capture the bat for testing. This can save you and others from needing rabies vaccines. Learn how to safely capture a bat at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YhnV5WJQBA. Questions? Call (518) 386-2818.

Visit https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/county-calendar for the latest information about Schenectady County events.