Pomona, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health is once again offering a vital public health service to local pet owners: free rabies vaccinations for cats, dogs, and ferrets. The clinic will take place on Sunday, April 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, in Pomona.
To participate, pet owners must schedule an appointment in advance. Slots can be reserved by visiting rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or by calling the Health Department at 845-364-2656.
“Prevention is the best medicine. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that their pets are immunized against rabies and that their vaccinations are kept up to date,” stated Mandar Mhatre, Public Health Technician II and Rabies Program Coordinator. “Animal rabies is a life-threatening, contagious disease that is almost always fatal.”
To receive a free vaccination, the following conditions must be met:
- Pets must be healthy and at least four months old
- Dogs must be on a leash
- Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or on a leash
While the shots are free, a $5 donation per animal is suggested to help offset program costs. Donations can be made via exact cash or check payable to the Commissioner of Finance. Attendees should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by the time they are four months old. Pet owners who fail to comply may face fines up to $250.
In addition, all animal bites and animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-2656. After business hours, residents should contact the Rockland Sheriff’s Office at 845-364-8600.
Weather-related cancellations will be posted on the County’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/rocklandgov.
For Rockland County pet owners, this initiative is a convenient and cost-effective opportunity to ensure their animals—and community—remain safe and protected.