ELLINGTON — The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Ellington Highway Garage, 763 E. Main St., Ellington.

The clinic will be a drive-in clinic and animals must be pre-registered to receive vaccinations. Vaccinations will be provided free of charge to all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older. The town of Ellington, along with the Chautauqua County Division of Public Health, will co-sponsor the clinic. Dr. Mary Fales will be the attending veterinarian. To pre-register online visit on.ny.gov/3zopPBI. There are a limited number of spots available at these clinics, so pet owners should pre-register online as soon as possible. If you register but decide not to attend the event, please cancel your appointment so the spot is available for another pet. You can cancel appointments via the confirmation email you receive when you register. Walk-ins may be accepted, but are not guaranteed.

At the clinic, vehicles will enter and follow the established traffic pattern on-site. Pet owners will stay in their vehicles with their pets, unless otherwise instructed. Pet owners must bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm previous rabies vaccination records. All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in a carrier. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.

State Public Health Law requires each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a serious disease of warm-blooded animals caused by a virus. Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common disease carriers. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through saliva and can enter the body through a bite, scratch, or open cut. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause brain swelling and ultimately death within days of the onset of symptoms.

For more information about the clinic and rabies in general, visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention or contact the Division of Public Health at 716-753-4481.