In an effort to protect our pets and prevent the spread of rabies, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson, in partnership with the Nassau County Department of Health, will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets.  Open to all residents, the vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, September 14th, from 12:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Town Animal Shelter located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset. “Our pets are members of our family and this is an excellent opportunity to protect them against rabies,” said Supervisor Saladino.  “Pet-owners should take advantage of this vaccination clinic to protect their entire family.” New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies.  If an unvaccinated pet or one that’s overdue for its vaccination comes into contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for six months.  However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination which must be administered within five days of exposure. To protect your family and your pet, it is absolutely essential that your animals have up-to-date rabies inoculations.  It is recommended for dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years thereafter.  Dogs must be on leashes when inside the clinic and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers. Councilwoman Johnson stated, “Personnel from the Town’s Animal Shelter will be on hand to help with the large number of animals expected, in addition to assisting residents interested in adopting a dog or cat. Remember that September is free adoption month at our shelter!” The clinic also offers to microchip pets for $25. Microchips carry a unique identification number for a pet so if they ever get lost they can be taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter where they will be scanned for the unique microchip ID number.  No reservations are necessary for the clinic. For more information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter at (516) 677-5784