BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department reminds pet owners of ongoing clinics for vaccinating pets. A complete schedule of the Broome County Health Department and A.A.R.F. sponsored clinics is available online at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd. To hear the schedule, call the Broome County Health Department’s information line at 607.778.3911, option 1.

All dogs, cats and pet ferrets are required by state law to have a current rabies vaccination. Animals may receive their first rabies vaccine at age three months. The first immunization protects the animal from rabies for one year. Subsequent immunizations last for three years.

If your pet has had a rabies vaccination in the past, please be sure to bring their certificate of vaccination with you to the clinic so that your pet can receive a three year vaccination. Without this certification, your pet will receive a one year vaccination.

There is no charge for the vaccination but a donation of $5 per pet is appreciated. All pets will be vaccinated regardless of their owner’s ability to donate. Pet owners must be in control of their pets while at the clinic.

Any time a person or pet comes into physical contact with a wild animal, the incident should be reported to the health department as soon as possible. A bite or scratch on the skin should be washed immediately with soap and water.