The Oswego County Health Department works year-round to protect residents and their pets from the dangers of rabies. Staff reminds residents that, while the weather forecast makes it difficult to think about spring right now, nicer weather is right around the corner and so is the launch of its 2023 rabies vaccination clinic schedule.

All clinics will be held by appointment only from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. A limited number of appointments will be available, and they must be scheduled in advance. Those who are unable to keep their appointment are asked to call to cancel it, so that others can get an appointment.

Starting on Wednesday, March 22, residents can call 315-349-3564 to make an appointment for the March 29 clinic. Appointments will be scheduled clinic by clinic and announcements will be made before each one about when the appointment phone line will open.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age.

“It is important to take preventive measures to protect your pet from potential exposure,” said Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Katelyn Parkhurst. “Rabies is a viral disease which is nearly always fatal. Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccinations current is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus from wildlife to people.”

Rabies vaccination clinics for pets are scheduled at the following locations this year:

• March 29: County Highway Garage, 31 Schaad Dr.,
• May 3: County Highway Garage, 957 Centerville Rd., Pulaski.
• May 17: County Highway Garage, 24 Dill Pickle Alley, Parish.
• June 7: Hastings Town Highway Garage, Wilson Rd., Central Square.
• July 12: Granby Town Highway Garage, 820 Co. Rte. 8, Fulton.
• 9: Bristol Hill Landfill Facility, maintenance building, 3125 NYS Rte. 3, Fulton.
• 13: County Highway Garage, 957 Centerville Rd., Pulaski
• 11: County Highway Garage, 31 Schaad Dr., Oswego.

There is a suggested donation of $7 per pet.

Pets must be at least three months of age to be vaccinated. Those receiving their first rabies shot must get a booster shot within one year.

Proof of previous vaccination is required to qualify for a three-year certificate. Accepted forms of proof include a certificate of vaccination obtained from a veterinarian or the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division or a dog license showing rabies expiration date.

The following protocols will be in effect at all clinics:

• Do not attend the clinic if you or your pet are ill.
• There is a limit of four pets per family. Only the individuals handling the animals should attend the clinic. Young children are not recommended to enter the building unless absolutely necessary. If children are left in the car, they should be properly supervised.
• People must control their pets at all times. Pets must be caged and/or leashed with a fixed length no longer than six feet. Cats and ferrets should be in a carrier.
• Attendees are asked to arrive no more than 10 minutes early to their appointment and follow signs and instructions from clinic staff.

All animal bites, whether from a domestic animal or wildlife, should be reported to the Oswego County Health Department as soon as possible. Health Department staff will work with residents and health care providers to determine if rabies treatment is needed.

To report an animal bite or seek guidance concerning potential exposures to rabies, call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3557, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or at 315-341-0086 after regular business hours, weekends and holidays. Please do not call the after-hours number to make a rabies vaccination appointment. Use it only for incidents involving potential exposure.

Additional information about rabies can be found at https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/environmental1/rabies_program2.php and www.cdc.gov/rabies.