World Rabies Day is a global initiative to raise awareness to eliminate rabies. Rabies is a preventable disease if treated.

The Suffolk County SPCA , Suffolk County Department of Health Services and Suffolk County Parks will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, September 28, 2024 form 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gardiner County Park, Montauk Highway (Rt. 27A), Bay Shore, NY about one-half mile east of the Robert Moses Causeway.  All dogs, cats and ferrets must be older than 4 months, dogs must be leashed, aggressive dogs muzzled and all cats and ferrets must be confined in carriers.

Our rabies clinic is available to all county residents, however, the quantity of vaccine is limited and available only as long as supplies last.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect mammals, including humans and can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, making widespread vaccination crucial for both pets and public safety. Suffolk County, New York, the Department of Health regularly monitors rabies cases, particularly in wild animals like raccoons, bats, and skunks, as these are common carriers of the virus.

It is crucial to vaccinate pets against rabies, avoid contact with wild animals, and report any suspicious or abnormal animal behavior to the Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services. The clinic is set up to help protect pets and the public from the spread of the disease.  New York State law requires that all domestic cats, dogs and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies after they turn four months old. The vaccine saves pets unnecessary suffering and loss of life.

On Long Island two more cases of rabies were reported on August 23, 2024 in a cat and raccoon in addition to an earlier case reported on July 26, 2024 in a cat spread by a raccoon. Take advantage of this opportunity. REMEMBER, PREVENTION IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST RABIES.  Keep your distance from wildlife and get your pets vaccinated!