Oneida County Health Department Announces Additional Rabies Vaccination Clinics

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) announced that it has scheduled rabies vaccination clinics through August.

The events will take place:

• April 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices (previously announced)
• June 2, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Annsville Highway Garage (newly announced)
• July 14, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Vienna Town Garage (newly announced)
• August 4, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Arena in Rome (newly announced)

Appointments are required for the clinic and can be made by calling 315-798-5064 or online at oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. The following guidelines apply:

• Dogs and cats need to be vaccinated at 3 months-old, one year later, and then once every three years. 
• NYS Public Health Law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months-old and regular booster shots even if they stay indoors.  
• Pets will receive a 1-year certificate if no proof of prior rabies vaccination is shown. 
• Ferrets must be vaccinated every year.
• Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be on a leash or in a carrier.  
• No exams will be given.
• A $10 donation per pet is requested to help with costs.

Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and kills both animals and humans. Animals pass the virus through saliva when the infected animal bites. Any mammal can get rabies, but bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons are most common. Without quick treatment, the rabies virus can lead to death. In 2024, OCHD investigated 672 cases of human or pet contact with a variety of potentially rabid animals including bats, foxes, a cow, cats and raccoons. Thirteen animals were lab-confirmed positive for rabies. Fortunately, rabies is also almost 100 percent preventable for your pets if they are vaccinated.

"Prevention is key,” said Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH, Director of Health. “Rabies can be fatal, but there are measures we can take to protect ourselves and our pets. Have your pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals. Rabies vaccinations not only protect your pet, but they also protect you, your family and the community.” 

In addition to pet vaccination, Gilmore recommends the following:

• Do not touch or feed wild or unknown animals.
• Do not touch dead or sick animals.
• Learn the signs of rabies in animals.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have contact with an animal you think may be rabid.
• Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.
• Report all animal bites to the county Health Department.

If you are concerned that an animal is injured and/or may need help, do not touch it but contact a professional for assistance. Resources include:

• Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
• Wildlife Rehabilitator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
• Department of Environmental Conservation at 1-844-332-3267
• Local police department

For the safety of pets and the convenience of county residents, the county Health Department offers rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year in various community locations. Last year, OCHD vaccinated 607 pets. Additional Oneida County rabies vaccination clinics will be scheduled in 2025.

All cats, dogs and ferrets four months or older must have a current rabies vaccination, even if they stay indoors. Unvaccinated pets or pets whose vaccinations have lapsed could be euthanized or quarantined for an extended period if exposed to rabies.

For more information on rabies prevention, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 or log onto our website at oneidacountyny.gov/rabies.