MA HOPAC

“Fido” or “Miss Puss” can receive a free rabies inoculation next Saturday courtesy of the Putnam County Health Department.

Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said the rabies vaccination clinic will be held at the South Putnam Animal Hospital on Baldwin Place Road in Mahopac from 3pm to 5pm.

Dr. Amler has requested those bringing their pets to provide a photo ID as proof of Putnam residency along with proof of prior rabies vaccination: “Tags will not be acceptable and if you do not have proof that your pet has been previously vaccinated against the disease, ‘Fido’ or ‘Miss Puss’ will receive a one-year inoculation instead of the three-year dose.”

Dr. Kathi Heiber, founder of the South Putnam Animal Hospital, encouraged all residents to have their dogs, cats, or ferrets vaccinated against the deadly disease: “Rabies has no cure and the sure way to prevent a ‘family’ tragedy from occurring is to have your pet regularly vaccinated.”

Dogs attending the clinic on March 27 must be leashed while cats and ferrets contained in a carrier.

Dr. Amler has suggested those planning to attend to download an Animal Information Release Form prior to the clinic: “Completing the form in advance will expedite the vaccination process but forms will also be available at the clinic for those without a computer.”

The forms can be obtained this week by visiting the Putnam County website at putnamcountyny.com.

Dr. Amler said additional information was available by calling the Health Department offices in Southeast at 278-6130, ext. 43127.