NORWICH – Attention dog, cat and domesticated ferret owners - New York State Public Health Rabies Law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to receive immunization against Rabies no later than four months of age and NYS Ag. & Markets requires dogs to be licensed at four months of age.

If you dog, cat or ferret is not currently vaccinated against rabies and is involved in biting an individual, it must be confined for 10 days at an approved facility at the owner’s expense. If the animal is currently vaccinated and involved in a bite incident, it may be confined at home, for the 10 day period.

If your animal is bitten by or exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal and is currently immunized, a vaccine booster dose must be administered within 5 days. If unvaccinated, the animal must be destroyed or confined for 6 months in accordance with Public Health Law.

When attending a rabies clinic, animals must be under the control of a qualified handler. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats should be transported in a box, crate, pillowcase, or other container. Animals vaccinated for the first time must be revaccinated within a year to qualify for three year coverage. Please bring the previous vaccination record to verify if your poet is eligible for 3 year coverage.