The Town of Brookhaven, in partnership with the Suffolk County Department of Health, will host a series of free rabies vaccination clinics for pets this spring and summer, offering residents an opportunity to protect their animals and the broader community from a deadly disease.
The clinics will be held at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter, located at 300 Horseblock Road, on select Saturdays: April 19th, May 31st, June 28th, July 26th and August 23rd.
Officials said the clinics are open to all residents and no appointments are required, allowing pet owners to simply walk in for service.
Dogs must be leashed, while cats and ferrets must be secured in carriers for the safety of both animals and staff.
Vaccinations will be administered by trained professionals working in coordination with Suffolk County health officials.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination critical.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is most commonly transmitted through bites from infected animals, including raccoons, bats and skunks, which are present in parts of New York.
While human cases in the United States are rare, thousands of animals test positive for rabies each year, posing an ongoing risk to unvaccinated pets.
Health experts warn that pets exposed to rabies may face strict quarantine measures or euthanasia if they are not properly vaccinated.
Vaccinating pets not only protects them from infection but also helps create a barrier that reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading to humans.
New York State law requires dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, officials said.
Town leaders emphasized that providing free clinics removes financial barriers and encourages compliance with public health guidelines.
Residents with questions can contact the Brookhaven Animal Shelter at 631-451-6950 or email dscott@brookhavenny.gov for more information, or visit the town’s website for additional details.
Officials said regular vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing rabies and safeguarding both pets and people.