Free rabies vaccination clinic offered in Riverhead

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services, in partnership with the Town of Brookhaven and Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, is hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Eastern Academy of Applied Technology, located at 970 North Griffing Avenue in Riverhead.

Vaccinations are by appointment only and can be made by calling 631-208-2015. Availability is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

All dogs must be on leashes and all cats and ferrets must be in carriers. It’s important to note that rabies is a deadly disease that can affect all mammals, including pets and livestock. Vaccinating pets not only protects them but also helps to prevent the spread of the virus between wild animals and people.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. To protect your pets and your family from possible exposure to rabies, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services recommends the following precautions:

* Do not feed, touch or approach wild animals, or stray dogs or cats.
* Ensure your pet dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as horses and other livestock animals, are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
* Keep pets too young to be vaccinated indoors and only let them outside under direct observation.
* Do not leave pets outside unattended or let them roam free.

For more information on rabies, visit the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.