~ Submitted by the Bedford Health Department
The Bedford Health Department will host a Rabies Clinic for Cats and Dogs on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. The clinic will take place at the Bedford Department of Public Works (DPW) Building at 314 Great Road. The Clinic will be open to Bedford Residents.
Use the DPW entrance closest to the American Flag, the clinic entrance will be in the garage located on the side of the building. Please park in the designated parking spaces before the gate. Pre-registration is required for this event and the registration link may be found at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0448A9A62AA7FC1-rabies
The cost for the vaccine is $10.00 per pet, payable by cash (exact change only) or check (payable to Countryside Veterinary Hospital). Dog License Applications will also be available if you need to apply for or renew a license with the Town Clerk. The application may also be found at – https://www.bedfordma.gov/town-clerk
Countryside Veterinary Hospital of Chelmsford will be onsite to administer rabies vaccines to cats and dogs. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. It is important that you bring a copy of your pet’s most recent rabies certificate (rabies tags will not be accepted). Animals with a current rabies certificate will receive a vaccine that is valid for up to three years. Animals without a current rabies certificate will receive a vaccine that is valid for up to one year.
Rabies is a disease affecting all mammals, including humans, caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, specifically the brain. The disease is spread through the saliva of an infected animal by a bite, scratch or if the saliva gets into a person or animal’s eyes, nose or mouth. This disease can be fatal to both humans and animals. It is important that domesticated animals be vaccinated against rabies. If you or your pet have been in contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, particularly if you’ve been bitten or scratched, you should talk with a healthcare or public health professional to determine your risk for rabies.
Massachusetts law requires that dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies. The law requires the vaccinations be administered by the time the animal is six months old and updated as they expire for the life of the pet. Vaccines are administered routinely for one or three years depending on a past vaccination schedule. Reported rabies cases with the highest number of human exposures involve rabid domestic animals which is why it is crucial to keep up with a pet’s rabies vaccination schedule to keep both animals and humans healthy.
We hope you join us in this important program which helps to ensure animals, as well as the general public, are protected against the rabies virus. Please contact the Bedford Health Department at 781-275-6507 with any questions.
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