Tioga County Offering Free Rabies Clinics

The World Health Organization says that each year more than 55,000 people worldwide die of rabies and that 40% of people who are bitten by a rabid animal are kids under the age of 15.

In an attempt to help cut down those numbers, Tioga County will offer free rabies clinics for dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets. A $10 donation per animal is requested, but definitely not necessary.

The New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be vaccinated by 4 months of age and pet owners who don't have their animal vaccinated can be slapped with a fine of up to $200 per animal.

Don't risk it- get your animal vaccinated at one of these free Tioga County rabies clinics:

• Wednesday January 22nd- 6-8pm- Candor Fire Station, 74 Owego Road, Candor
• Thursday April 24th- 6-8pm- Waverly Village Barn- 81 Spring Street, Waverly
• Wednesday April 30th- 6-8pm- Newark Valley Fire Station- 7151 Route 38, Newark Valley
• Thursday May 1st- Apalachin Fire Station- 230 Pennsylvania Avenue, Apalachin
• Monday May 5th- Owego Fire Station- 87 North Avenue, Owego
• Saturday  May 10th- Day Hollow Animal Hospital- 345 Day Hollow Road, Owego
• Tuesday June 10th- Spencer Fire Station- 41 Main Street, Spencer
• Thursday November 6th- Waverly Village Barn- 81 Spring Street, Waverly

Please note that the rabies vaccine won't be administered unless your pet is under control by a leash or in a carrier.  You'll need to show proof of previous vaccination. If you can't show proof of previous vaccination, the shot will be considered a first time vaccination and will be effective for only a year. All other vaccinations are effective for three years.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Tioga County Department of Heath at 607-687-8565.