New York State requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to have their first rabies vaccination between 3 and 4 months of age. Since this is required by law, we hold rabies clinics throughout the year to ensure you are able to keep your pets protected.
- Ferrets must be vaccinated yearly after the initial vaccine.
- Cats may receive either a 1-year or 3-year vaccine after the initial vaccine depending on the type of rabies vaccine given and whether proof of previous vaccination is available. We currently use a vaccine that is effective for three years after the initial 1-year vaccination.
- Dogs receive a 3-year vaccine after the initial vaccine.
Rabies vaccines are licensed for either 1 or 3 years. This means that your pet is considered up to date for the amount of time the vaccine is licensed as long as there is proof of prior vaccination. If a 3-year vaccine is given to a pet with no proof of previous vaccination, then the vaccine is only considered effective for 1 year. People often bring their pets to a rabies clinic and have forgotten their paperwork. The vaccine we use for cats and dogs is licensed for three years, so if you forget your paperwork the night of the clinic, your pet has still received a vaccine that is licensed for 3 years. You can contact us after the clinic, so we can update your records.
Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Pets
January 15, 2025: Ithaca
- Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Tompkins County SPCA. (1640 Hanshaw Rd. Ithaca)
- Note: This is a walk-up clinic. Please be advised that you may be waiting for a period of time in line. Contact our office with any questions: 607-274-6688.
- Register for an Appointment
Important:
- Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier.
- Please bring proof of your pet’s most recent vaccination, or information about the location and date of your pet’s previous vaccination, if applicable.
- For other free or low-cost rabies vaccine programs, contact the local chapter of the Street Dog Coalition or the Cornell Healthy Pet Clinic held at Ithaca’s Southside Community Center.