Health Officials to Host Dog and Cat Rabies Vaccination Clinic

April has been designated as Rabies Awareness Month by the Lexington Board of Health. For the first time in recent years, Lexington has joined other communities across Massachusetts to organize rabies vaccination clinics for residents with pets.

“Pet owners often comment that a typical visit to the veterinarian may cost over $100,” said Gerard Cody, the health director in Lexington. “Unfortunately, whether or not to vaccinate a pet against rabies may be a financial choice. A rabies only vaccination clinic is available for the first time in Lexington to try and promote the vaccination of household pets against this disease and to bring attention to this important vaccination for both human and pet health.”

Massachusetts law requires that all dogs and cats 6 months of age and older must be currently vaccinated against rabies. In order to help accomplish this important public safety goal the Lexington Board of Health, Lexington Health Division, l and Burlington Veterinary Hospital are collaborating to host a rabies vaccine clinic for dogs and cats belonging to Lexington residents.

This clinic will be held rain or shine on Saturday, April at the Estabrook Room on the lower level of . Look for the MRC tent and enter through the side. And remember, it is important to have proof of vaccination from previous years.

There are a limited number of doses available and pre-registration is required.

It is important to note that dogs will be vaccinated during the first hour (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) and cats will be vaccinated later in the morning, (10: 45 to 11: 45 a.m.). All dogs must be on a leash and owners shall have a bag to clean up after their dog. All cats must be in carriers. 

FAQs and Registration Details

Q:  If my pet has never been vaccinated for rabies, is it OK to bring the pet to the clinic?

A:  Yes, we encourage you to bring your unvaccinated pet.   Just keep your pet isolated from the other animals at the clinic.

Q:  How long is the rabies vaccine good for?

A:  The vaccine administered at this clinic is good for 1 year or 3 years, depending on documented history of prior rabies vaccinations. Please bring your pet’s rabies vaccination records.

Q:  My pet’s rabies vaccination expires later this year.  Can I have my pet vaccinated ahead of schedule?

A:  Yes we can vaccinate for rabies ahead of schedule, however in order to consider a second rabies vaccination a 3 year vaccine, it must be given 9 to 12 month after the pet’s first rabies vaccination.

Q:  Where will the vaccination clinic take place?

A:  The vaccinations will take place in Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, lower level in the Estabrook Room.  There is a side entrance that will be used to access this room.  Look for the white Medical Reserve Corp tent set up outside.

To register, please call Stephanie Doucette, animal control officer at the Lexington Police Department at 781-862-1212 on Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may also email Officer Doucette at sdoucette@lexingtonma.gov. You may also call Gerard F. Cody, health director of Lexington Division at 781-862-0500 x237 or email at gcody@lexingtonma.gov with any questions.

For further information about rabies, go to the state Department of Health and Human Services website.