CHENANGO COUNTY – The last three rabies clinics in Chenango County for 2016, will be taking place during the months of October through December.

The New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets must receive immunization against rabies before they reach four months of age.

The New York State Agriculture and Markets Law also requires that dogs must be licensed at four months of age.

If your dog, cat or ferret is not currently vaccinated against rabies and is involved in biting an individual, it must be confined for a period of 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 five days. If unvaccinated, the animal must be adequately quarantined for six months, in accordance with Public Health Law.

When attending a rabies clinic, it is important that animals are under control. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats should be transported in a box, crate, pillowcase or other container.