Niagara County Department of Health offers free rabies immunization clinics

Submitted by the Niagara County Department of Health 

Rabies vaccination prevents fatal disease in dogs, cats and ferrets. Rabies is a viral disease that, in most cases, results in death of the animal not adequately protected with a rabies vaccination. New York state law requires all cats, dogs and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations by 4 months of age. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans. Rabies vaccination protects your pet and reduces your risk of exposure to rabies.

The Niagara County Department of Health offers free rabies immunization clinics. 2026 dates include:

•Saturday, April 11 (9 a.m. to noon), Town of Somerset Highway Garage, 8700 Haight Road

•Saturday, June 6 (9 a.m. to noon), Hyde Park-Oasis/Centennial Pavilion, 911 Robbins Drive, Niagara Falls

•Saturday, July 11 (9 a.m. to noon), Town of Wilson Highway Garage, 3356 Wilson-Cambria Road

•Saturday, Sept. 12 (9 a.m. to noon), Town of Lockport Highway Department, 6560 Dysinger Road

•Saturday, Dec. 5 (9 a.m. to noon), North Tonawanda Public Works Department, 758 Erie Ave.

Appointments are required, as walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration opens at 9 a.m. on the first business day of the week of the clinic date. Register for an appointment online at www.niagaracounty.gov/rabiesclinic or by calling 716-439-7490. A separate registration is required for each pet. 

Pets must be at least 3 months of age at the time of the immunization clinic. Dog and cat owners are asked to bring proof of their pet’s previous rabies vaccination with them to the clinic to receive a three-year vaccination certificate; otherwise, a one-year certificate will be issued. Ferrets will be issued a one-year certificate. Dogs must be secured with a collar and leash or be in a carrier. Please do not use retractable leashes. Cats and ferrets must be secured in a carrier. 

Niagara County Department of Health rabies clinics are coordinated with the support of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society.