Free rabies shots offered across Monroe County as health department rolls out widespread clinics to reach pet owners in every town and neighborhood

Monroe County, New York – In Monroe County, pet owners have a fresh opportunity to ensure their dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets are protected against rabies, thanks to the free vaccination clinics announced by County Executive Adam Bello. The clinics, organized by the Department of Public Health, are scheduled to commence on April 4, 2025, at the Rochester Sports Complex located at 448 Smith Street, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, County Executive Bello stressed the importance of pet vaccination for community safety.

“Having a pet is one of life’s great joys, but it also means taking steps to keep them safe,” said County Executive Bello. “Getting your pet vaccinated against rabies is an important part of that. These free clinics make it easy and convenient, so I encourage every pet owner to take advantage and protect their dog, cat or ferret.”

The vaccination drive will cater exclusively to residents of Monroe County and is particularly designed to be accessible and convenient. The kick-off event at the Rochester Sports Complex will only be the first in a series spanning several months and covering various locations across the county. These include additional sessions in Rochester, as well as in Hamlin, Pittsford, Ogden, East Rochester, Wheatland, Chili, Henrietta, Perinton, Penfield, Sweden, Webster, Gates, Greece, Brighton, and Mendon. Each location has been chosen to ensure that all county residents have easy access to the services.

Pre-registration requirements vary by location, which underscores the county’s effort to manage the flow of participants and ensure a smooth operation on the day of the clinics. The clinics will also accommodate different schedules by offering a mix of weekdays and weekends, with operating times ranging from morning through evening.

To participate, all pets must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes being at least three months old. Dogs should be on leashes, while cats and ferrets must be contained in carriers. The vaccination provided will be valid for three years for pets with proof of prior immunization and one year for those without.

Furthermore, in accordance with state law, all cats, dogs, and domestic ferrets must receive rabies vaccinations by the age of four months. Failing to comply can result in fines up to $200, thus highlighting the seriousness of these preventive measures.

For pet owners seeking more information on the clinic schedules, required documentation, or have other queries, the Monroe County Department of Public Health has made multiple resources available. Interested individuals can contact them via phone, email, or visit their official website. This initiative not only reflects Monroe County’s commitment to public health but also its dedication to animal welfare.

Click here to see the full schedule.