Rabies

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Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

Use our confidential complaint form if someone is feeding wild/feral animals or other issues.

What to Do if You Are Bitten

Immediately wash the area with warm soapy water
Call your doctor or hospital for medical advice
Obtain pet owner's contact information
Report animal bites, scratches and other exposures to the county health officer as soon as possible; (required by NYS Public Health Law)
Have doctor or hospital FAX a completed Animal Bite Report to 845-364-2025
You can also call the RCDOH at 845-364-2594 between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. After hours, call 845-364-8600

The RCDOH does not trap or capture wild or stray animals. Town police departments or licensed wildlife trappers (for a fee) may provide this service.

Rabies Vaccine

NY State Public Health law and Rockland County Sanitary Code require dogs, cats and ferrets to receive their first rabies vaccination by the time they are four months old.

FREE RABIES SHOTS FOR CATS, DOGS & FERRETS! See Rabies clinic flyer for details:
flyer (English) & flyer (Spanish)

The next clinic will be in 2025.
50 Sanatorium Rd
in front of Building A
Pomona, NY 10970

Registration is required. The link will be posted a few weeks before the clinic.

Pets

If your pet is exposed to a suspect rabid animal:

try to keep that animal in sight until the police or a licensed registered trapper arrives
put on gloves before handling your pet
vaccinated pets must receive a rabies booster dose within 5 days of the event to be protected
unvaccinated or overdue pet exposed to rabies must be placed in a strict quarantine

If your pet bites or scratches someone:

confine your pet
contact the RCDOH immediately
locate your pet's rabies vaccination records

For more information, please call 845-364-3173 or 845-364-2594.

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