Popular Clinics Coming to Five Communities across Erie County in May, September

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein have announced upcoming rabies clinics to be held in May and September in communities across Erie County including Buffalo, Orchard Park, Amherst, Springville, and West Seneca. The popular clinics are conducted by the Erie County Department of Health in association with the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, the SPCA Serving Erie County, and the Medaille College Veterinary Technology Program and provide free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

“These clinics are one of our most popular services as, at every clinic, hundreds of pet owners take advantage of this free service to protect their pets and their families from rabies. In fact, in 2013 over 4,460 animals were vaccinated countywide through this service,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Pet owners should also remember that the law requires all dogs and cats in Erie County to get vaccinated against rabies. I would like to thank the Department of Health and their partners for working together to provide this vital service to residents, and I encourage pet owners around the County to check their calendars and plan to bring their pet to a clinic this year.” 

In 2013, 35 animals tested positive for rabies in Erie County, including seventeen bats, nine raccoons, seven skunks, and two foxes. In 2014 to date, four animals have been found positive for rabies, including two bats, one raccoon, and one skunk. Incidents of rabies typically rise as the weather gets warmer, so vaccination is recommended for all animals that may come into contact with wildlife and for any pets that go outside.

“With the onset of summer and an increased chance of contact between wildlife, pets, and humans, rabies is always a concern,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “There are two clinics in May for residents to take advantage of, and then three in September as well, so we are encouraging all pet owners to check the dates and add this free, vital service to their schedules. Vaccination is required by law, it’s free, and it protects people and their pets, so there’s no reason to put it off.”

CLINIC DATES & LOCATIONS FOR DOGS, CATS, & FERRETS:

• Wednesday, May 21, 2014:    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, American Legion Post #1041, 533 Amherst Street, Buffalo
  
• Wednesday, May 28, 2014:    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Erie Community College (South Campus), 4041 Southwestern Boulevard, Building #7, Orchard Park
  
• Wednesday, September 10, 2014:    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Erie Community College (North Campus), 6205 Main Street (off Youngs Rd. or Tech Dr.), Noonan Center-Maintenance Garage, Amherst
  
• Tuesday, September 16, 2014:     4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Springville Fire Company, 405 W. Main St., Springville
  
• Wednesday, September 24, 2014:     4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, West Seneca Highway Garage, 39 South Ave. (off Union near NYS 400), West Seneca