POMONA, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health will provide free rabies vaccinations for cats, dogs, and ferrets owned by Rockland County residents on Sunday, October 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 50 Sanatorium Road, Building A, Pomona.

“Prevention is the best medicine. Pet owners are responsible for making sure their animals are vaccinated against rabies and that those vaccinations stay up to date to prevent this fatal disease,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• Pets must be healthy and at least four months old

• Dogs must be on a leash

• Cats and ferrets must be on a leash or in a carrier

• Appointments are required for each animal

To schedule an appointment or learn more, residents can visit http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or call 845-364-2656.

While the vaccinations are free of charge, a $5 donation per animal is suggested to help defray costs. Payment can be made by exact cash or check payable to the Commissioner of Finance. Pet owners are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.

In case of inclement weather, residents should check for updates at facebook.com/rocklandgov.

Under New York State law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by the age of four months. Pet owners may be fined up to $250 for failure to comply with the law.

Animal bites and suspected rabies cases must be reported to the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-2656. After hours, reports can be made by calling the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office at 845-364-8600.