Who Is Now Offering Free/Discounted Rabies Shots For Pets?

Any pet owner will tell you how expensive it can be making sure our four-legged babies are well cared for; between keeping them up to date on all their shots, getting regular grooming, annual vet visits, and even the cost of pet foods (especially those specialty ones) - it all adds up. These necessary expenses certainly have an impact on our wallets so why not make plans to save a few bucks while getting your pet their rabies shots.

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Free Rabies Clinics in Dutchess County

Together with Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (HVARS), Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) has announced a series of free rabies vaccines for local pets.

Pre-registration is required for the shots, with the first clinic scheduled for Saturday, May 31st, and is open to cats and dogs, as well as domestic ferrets aged three months and up. All clinics will take place at 9 Barnes Drive, Poughkeepsie, at the HVARS hospital.

All dogs must be on a leash, while cats and ferrets must be brought in carriers.

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Free For Dutchess County Pets, Small Fee For Non-Residents

For Dutchess County residents seeking the rabies vaccine series for their cats, dogs or ferrets, there is no cost. For those fur-babies outside of Dutchess County, there is a $15 per pet charge for the series.

The rabies vaccinations will be good for three years with proof of prior vaccines.

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In addition, microchipping services will be available for $45 per animal, and distemper vaccines (one-year) will be offered for $25 per pet.

There will be two additional rabies clinics in 2025, as well as spay and neuter services. DCDOH does remind pet owners that rabies vaccinations are required by NYS law for all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets by four months of age. Additional rabies related details can be found here. and DCDOH is happy to provide more information via email at: ehs@dutchessny.gov.

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mongoose. It is also found in cats, cattle, and dogs. The CDC says that rabid bats have been found in every state except for Hawaii. Rabid mongoose have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including human beings. Human cases are rare in the United States, but deadly if not caught in time.

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

Five Exotic Pets That You Can Own in New York

If the thought of owning a dog or a cat or a parakeet sounds nice and all but you’re looking for an animal that’s a little more exotic, five super cute exotic animals appear to be completely legal to own in New York, although you might want to check your local ordinance laws to be sure.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor