NORWICH – Attention dog, cat and domesticated ferret owners: New York State Public Health Rabies Law requires all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets to receive immunization against Rabies no later than four months of age and NYS Ag & Market requires dogs to be licensed at four months of age.

If your dog, cat or ferret is not currently vaccinated against rabies and is involved in biting an individual, it must be confined for 10 days at an approved facility at the owner’s expense. If the animal is currently vaccinated and involved in a bite incident, it may be confined at home, for the 10 day period.

If your animal is bitten by or exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal and is currently immunized, a vaccine booster dose must be administered within 5 days. If unvaccinated, the animal must be confined for 6 months in accordance with Public Health Law or possibly euthanized and tested for rabies.

When attending a rabies clinic, animals must be under the control of a qualified handler. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats should be transported in a box, crate, pillowcase, or other container. Animals vaccinated for the first time must be re-vaccinated within a year to qualify for three year coverage. Please bring the previous vaccination record to verify if your pet is eligible for 3 year coverage.

Rabies Clinics are free, however, donations are greatly appreciated.

• May 8: South Otselic Fire House; 9-11 a.m.

• May 13: Sherburne Fire House; 7-8:30 p.m.