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Drive-In Rabies Immunization Clinic Scheduled In Falconer

FALCONER — The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic Saturday, April 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Falconer Highway Building, 1 Coleson Dr., Falconer.

The clinic will be a drive-in clinic and animals must be pre-registered to receive vaccinations. Vaccinations will be provided free of charge to all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society and the Chautauqua County Division of Public Health will co-sponsor the event. Dr. Harry Shaw will be the attending veterinarian.

To pre-register, visit bit.ly/chqrabies417 .

There are a limited number of spots available at the clinic, so pet owners should pre-register online as soon as possible. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

At the clinic, vehicles will enter from South Work Street onto Coleson Drive near the front of Tops Markets. Pet owners will stay in their vehicles with their pets. People must wear facemasks. Pet owners must bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm previous rabies vaccination records. All dogs must be on a leash; small dogs may be in a carrier. All cats must be in a carrier. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.

New York State Public Health Law requires each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and county residents are encouraged to be responsible pet owners by having their pets vaccinated.

Rabies is a serious disease of warm-blooded animals caused by a virus. Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common disease carriers. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through saliva and it can enter the body from a bite, scratch, scrape or open cut. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause brain swelling and ultimately death within days of the onset of symptoms.

During the vaccine clinic, the Chautauqua County Humane Society Pet Food Pantry will be conducting a pet food drive to help re-stock supplies. Monetary donations, cat/dog food or cat litter will be accepted. Donors don’t have to participate at the clinic to donate.

For more information about the clinic and rabies in general, visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention or contact the Division of Public Health at 753-4481.

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