Erie County Executive Chris Collins along with Erie County Health Commissioner Anthony J. Billittier announced that the county will once again be offering free rabies vaccination clinics. The Erie County Department of Health will be joined by Niagara Frontier Veterinarian Society, and the Erie County SPCA, to provide free rabies vaccines. County Executive Collins noted that citizens throughout the county would have the opportunity to bring their pets for the free vaccination at any one of the remaining seven scheduled locations.

The first of this year's remaining clinics will be held in Springville, on Tuesday May 20th at the Springville Fire Company from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The following is the complete clinic schedule:

Clinic Date and Time Clinic Location

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Springville Fire Company
5-7 p.m. 405 W. Main Street, Springville

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 American Legion Post #1041
5-7 p.m. 533 Amherst Street, Buffalo

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 SPCA
2-4 p.m. 205 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Clarence Highway Garage
5-7 p.m. 6185 Goodrich Road, Clarence

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Lakeshore Fire Company
5-7 p.m. S-4591 Lakeshore Road, Lake Shore

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Buffalo Zoo Parking Lot
5-7 p.m. 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 West Seneca Highway Garage
5-7 p.m. 39 South Ave. (off Union Road near NYS 400) West Seneca


According to the Erie County Health Department, a large number of rabies cases in wild animals are expected again this year. The Department anticipates vaccinating over 5,000 pets again this year.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins stated, "We must protect families and their pets from rabies. I applaud the efforts of the Health Department, the SPCA, and the Niagara Frontier Veterinarian Society, for working together to keep our community safe from rabies. These free clinics are the best way to fight rabies disease, and I urge everyone to take advantage of these free clinics."

Dr. Billittier added, "Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem, and with the coming of warm weather, the increased chance of contact between wildlife, humans and their pets could pose a problem. Should this occur, the Erie County Department of Health is prepared to assist anyone with possible exposure to rabies."

Dr. Billittier noted any exposure to a wild animal, or bites from dogs or cats should be reported immediately to the Health Department at 858-7690 during the day and 961-7898 during evenings and weekends.

County Executive Collins concluded, "Always remember to have your pet leashed or crated when attending these clinics, and if possible, bring a copy of your pet's most recent vaccination record."