West NY News

The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) has announced a free rabies vaccination clinic in Dunkirk, sponsored by The Pet Pantry and the CCHD. The event will take place on Saturday, October 12th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Lakeshore Humane Society located at 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY.

Animals eligible for vaccination include dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets that are three months of age or older. Pre-registration is mandatory and can be completed online by visiting HealthyCHQ.com/Rabies. Due to limited availability, pet owners are encouraged to register as soon as possible. If registered participants decide not to attend, they are asked to cancel their appointments through the confirmation email received during registration. Walk-ins may be accepted toward the end of the clinic but are not guaranteed.

Upon arrival at the clinic, vehicles will follow an established traffic pattern on-site. Pet owners will remain in their vehicles with their pets unless instructed otherwise. Previous rabies vaccination records must be presented for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper vaccination; clinic staff will verify these records. All dogs must be leashed, and all cats must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals from vehicles to veterinarians for vaccination.

New York State Public Health Law mandates that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets over four months old be vaccinated against rabies. The CCHD encourages county residents to vaccinate their pets as part of responsible pet ownership.

Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus affecting warm-blooded animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. It is transmitted through saliva via bites, scratches, or open cuts and can infect the central nervous system leading to brain swelling and death within days of symptom onset.

For more information about the clinic contact The Pet Pantry at 716-785-5183. For general rabies information visit HealthyCHQ.com/Rabies or contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.

The Chautauqua County Health Department aims to support community health through innovative approaches and various programs designed to prevent disease and promote overall wellness.