Protect dogs, cats, and ferrets from contracting rabies at free Chenango County vaccine clinics throughout the year. (Sun file photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango County Public Health Department will be hosting several free rabies clinics this year, with the first scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on March 29 at the Town of Guilford Highway Department.

The free clinics are open to dogs, cats, and ferrets, which are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners should bring vaccination records to receive a three-year rabies vaccine certificate, and keep dogs on a leash and cats and ferrets in safe carriers. Pets not securely leashed or crated will be refused service.

Clinics are set up as a drive through, where individuals can keep their pets in the car until it is their turn for vaccination. The Health Department requests passengers in the vehicle are limited to what is needed to control the animal.

Although the clinics are free, a donation of $5 is suggested.

"They are a free vaccine. The most important thing to us is that more pets get vaccinated. Any donation is appreciated and does help offset the cost associated with putting these events on," said Chenango County Public Health Director Isaiah Sutton.

Pre-registration is required for the clinics. To register, visit health.ny.gov/go2clinic or call 607-337-1673.

Sutton said vaccinating pets against rabies is important, as a vaccinated animal exposed to rabies has a high chance of recovery if exposed to the virus; all they need is a booster shot.