Owning a Dog in Hillsdale
Hillsdale is dog-friendly! With our beautiful farmland and wooded hills to enjoy, our canine residents are as happy to live here as their human companions are. There are just a few formalities to observe which will help to keep everyone safe.
Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system of mammals. It can be fatal in humans unless treatment (rabies shots) is started soon after exposure. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal but can be spread by other close contact.
Wild animals in Columbia County do carry rabies! In 2008, the last year for which complete statistics are available, there were 16 cases of rabies in raccoons, 2 in grey foxes, and one each in the skunk and bat populations. If your dog ever goes outside, it is at risk!
Every dog in New York State is required by law to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. (This applies to cats and domesticated ferrets, as well.) First vaccinations must be given by the time your pet is four months old, followed by a second vaccination within 12 months. After that, your veterinarian may recommend three-year vaccinations. Your vet will provide you with a certificate of immunization which gives the date of vaccination, when the next vaccination is due, and the manufacturer of the vaccine. You will need this certificate to register your dog.
Each county in upstate New York provides free rabies vaccination clinics. You can see the Columbia County schedule here. And you can find a helpful brochure here.
Animal Control Officer
Visit Dan Reed’s page here.