GENESEO, N.Y., July 14, 2023 – The Livingston County Department of Health has announced a series of upcoming rabies clinics that are free and open to the public.
Registration for each clinic is required and can be done by visiting the Livingston County Department of Health’s website. In addition, pets must be at least three months old and ferrets must be vaccinated annually. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier and dogs must be leashed at all times. The Department of Health asks pet owners to bring proof of previous rabies vaccinations to receive a three-year certificate. Without proof of prior vaccinations, a one-year certificate will be issued. Special arrangements must be made if you are vaccinating more than five pets by calling the Department of Health at (585) 243-7280.
In all, the County has scheduled three clinics, which will take place at various sites throughout the County for convenience. The first clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 at 4389 Gypsy Lane, Groveland, N.Y. 14462. The second will be held on Tuesday, August 22 at 50 Commercial Street, Livonia, N.Y. 14487 while the third will take place on Wednesday, October 11 at Morey Avenue, Dansville, N.Y. 14437.
For a full listing of each clinic, along with location information, registration links and other pertinent information, please visit the Livingston County Department of Health’s website. Due to rising costs, donations are gladly accepted.
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals. It is most often found in raccoons, skunks and bats in Livingston County. All mammals, including unvaccinated dogs, cats and farm animals are at risk for getting rabies. There is no way to tell if an animal is rabid just by looking at it. Wild or feral animals should always be avoided. Signs of rabies in wildlife can include:
- inability to walk
- appearance of “drunkenness”
- unwillingness to drink water or eat
- drooling
- aggressive behavior
- any significant change in temperament
All potential rabies exposures should be reported to the Livingston County Department of Health.
Below are important steps to prevent rabies.
- Stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Thoroughly wash any wound from an animal with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid wild and feral animals, especially if the animal is showing any sign of rabies.
- Be a responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations current. Getting your pet vaccinated can help stop the spread of rabies from wild animals to humans.
New York State Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations beginning at four months of age. An unvaccinated pet that comes into contact with a rabid animal must be kept in strict confinement for six months or be euthanized.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.