N. Hempstead To Offer Free Rabies Vaccinations

The Town of North Hempstead is offering all residents free rabies vaccinations for their dogs, cats and ferrets in May.

North Hempstead has partnered with Nassau County Department of Health to offer the vaccination clinic at Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“We are excited to offer this clinic to help keep pets safe and healthy,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a press release. “This free clinic is offered at no cost to pet owners.”

All dogs must be on leashes and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers.

You do not have to be a resident of North Hempstead for your pet to receive a free rabies vaccine. North Hempstead officials will also offer on-the-spot dog licensing applications and renewals to North Hempstead residents.

For more information or to register, call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

All dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets are required by NYS law to be vaccinated against rabies. It is imperative to have your pet up-to-date on its vaccinations. If a pet is not vaccinated or overdue for its vaccination and comes in contact with a possibly rabid animal, the pet must be euthanized or strictly quarantined for six months. But if a vaccinated pet comes into contact with a wild animal that possibly has rabies, it only needs a booster vaccination within five days of exposure.

Image via TONH: North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Jenna Givargidze, Director of the North Hempstead Animal Shelter with one of the shelter's dogs, Zeus.