Rabies clinic goes to dogs, cats in Ripley
Cassadaga Veterinarian Katie Bell vaccinates a cat at the free rabies clinic in Ripley.
Many Ripley public employees and volunteers took part in the rabies clinic.
Cassadaga Veterinarian Katie Bell vaccinates a cat at the free rabies clinic in Ripley.
Many Ripley public employees and volunteers took part in the rabies clinic.
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RIPLEY -- A total of 54 dogs and 24 cats received their rabies vaccines at the Town of Ripley Highway Department building last month.
The Rabies Vaccination Clinic was organized by Ripley Town Clerk Ryleigh Enterline, who said that she reached out to the Chautauqua County Health Department about hosting a clinic because Ripley was the site of a clinic last year and it was very successful.
The Chautauqua County Health Dept. sponsors clinics in several local towns and cities. Prior to the event in Ripley, a clinic was held on September 12 at the Salvation Army of Jamestown,
Clinics are scheduled for Oct. 12 at Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk and on Oct. 26 at Taylor Training Center, 240 Harrison St., Jamestown, NY. According to the CCHS, “Notices for these clinics will be sent to local media outlets and posted on the Chautauqua County website and social media pages.”
Enterline said the general attitude of people who made use of the clinic was very good. “Most everyone seemed happy to be there,” she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity. It is free, easy, and you don’t even need to leave your vehicle.”
One woman who brought three cats to the clinic echoed these sentiments. “It was much more convenient than driving to Erie, Westfield or Dunkirk, paying for an exam for each pet and then getting the rabies vaccines,” she said. "The process here is quick and efficient.”
Rabies vaccination is required in New York state in order to obtain a dog license and most veterinarians require that a pet be examined before receiving any shots or procedures. All dogs, cats or ferrets that are vaccinated at the clinic receive a rabies certificate as proof of compliance with state law.
Enterline said there were several tasks that were needed in order to organize the event. She had to confirm the date availability with the county health department, find a veterinarian who was willing and available to administer the shots, as well as find a location in town to host the clinic.
Enterline obtained Katie Ball, DVM from Cassadaga to be on site for the shots. Also, she said, county employees Jeff Gallagher and Ryan Parker came to help out. “They really do most of the work; they run the registrations and paperwork,” she said.
Enterline went on to say that she appreciated the support that the rabies clinic received. “The county guys are wonderful. They make everything a breeze and are so helpful,” she said. “Highway Superintendent Jason Jones let us have the clinic at the highway garage and set everything up there. He made sure the shop was clean and he posted the signs and cones for traffic.”
Enterline noted that several co-workers pitched in, including Deputy Town Clerk Nicole Gollhardt, Jones and his wife Diane, and Town Supervisor Laura Pless.
Enterline said she and other town employees enjoy events such as this to connect with residents. “Any opportunity to serve our community further brings me a great deal of satisfaction,” she said. “I am grateful to be in this position and owe it to our community to provide the best service that I can.”