Free Rabies Clinics to Continue at SQSPCA

In conjunction with the Otsego County Department of Health, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA) will continue to hold free weekly rabies vaccination clinics on-site for the foreseeable future.

According to SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes, the shelter is scheduling vaccination appointments for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets on Wednesday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. and on Thursday mornings from 9-11 a.m. Individual appointments allow for proper social distancing, Haynes said.

Registration is currently underway by calling (607) 547-8111, extension 108. Appointments will be scheduled weekly on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of 15 pets per person.

The SQSPCA requirements for pet owners will follow Otsego County guidelines:

Previous rabies vaccination certificate must be presented to receive a three-year booster (NO exceptions).

Dogs must be on a leash and under proper control.

Cats and ferrets should be in a pillow case or carrying case.

According to the Otsego County Department of Health, the vaccine being used gives one-year protection for domestic dogs and cats receiving their first vaccination and three-year protection for domestic dogs and cats receiving a booster.

“Compulsory vaccination is required for all dogs and cats in Otsego County. The incidence of confirmed positive rabies cases in wild animals continues, the most recent of which being a rabid skunk in the Town of Hartwick,” said Heidi Bond, Otsego County Director of Public Health.

“Every dog and cat three months of age or older is required to be vaccinated, even pet dogs and cats that stay inside, and domesticated ferrets require vaccination each year,” Bond explained.