Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For Pets Coming To Central Islip

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Suffolk County and the Town of Islip will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets on Oct. 4, at the Islip Animal Shelter, county health officials said.

The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 S. Technology Drive in Central Islip.

The event is open to all Suffolk County residents, and no appointment is necessary. Vaccines will be available while supplies last.

All dogs must be kept on leashes, while cats and ferrets must be brought in carriers.

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. Although it is most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, any mammal can become infected, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating pets helps protect them from infection and reduces the risk of the virus spreading from wildlife to people.

County health officials recommend that residents keep their pets' vaccinations up to date, avoid contact with wild or stray animals and take steps to prevent wildlife from entering their homes.

Residents should also keep pets indoors at night, secure garbage cans and avoid leaving food outside that could attract wild animals.

Anyone who is bitten by an animal or has contact with a potentially rabid wild animal should report the incident to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or 631-852-4820 outside business hours.