CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department is hosting a free drive-thru rabies clinic on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Canton Human Services Building located on 80 State Highway 310.

Every dog, cat, ferret 3 months and older is required to be vaccinated—this includes pets who normally do not go outside.

Pre-registration is required for all clinics as vaccines and appointment spaces are limited. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Do not show up for your appointment until your scheduled clinic time.

The pre-registration link can be found at https://www.stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth/ and on our Facebook page @SLCPublicHealth.

The pre-registration link will open Thursday, Sept. 10. When all appointment times have been filled, the link will no longer bring you to the pre-registration site.

Follow the new clinic process to keep yourself, our volunteers, and the community safe:

• Pre-register online. If you need assistance with the pre-registration process, please call the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department at 315-386-2325 on or after Sept. 10.

• Follow signs and instructions. When pulling into the parking lot you will be directed to park in a designated spot or progress in line. Follow instructions from clinic volunteers.

• Remain in your car. Do not get out of your car unless you are instructed to do so.

• Wear a mask. Put your mask on as you enter the clinic parking lot. A volunteer will provide you with instructions.

• Know your appointment time. Upon entering or once parked, a volunteer will approach your car to verify your name, your pet’s name, appointment time, and previous rabies certificate.

• Wait for instructions. Once your appointment has been verified, wait for further instruction from a volunteer.

• Your pet must be on a leash or in a carrier. Sanitize leashes and carriers after returning home from the clinic.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease if your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccine. Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat can transmit rabies. The rabies vaccine will protect your pet for three years. Dogs and cats receiving their first rabies vaccine will need a booster in one year.

Bring a current rabies certificate (not your rabies tag) if you have one, as this is the proof of vaccination.

For more information or for help with the pre-registration process call the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department at 315-386-2325.

The pre-registration link for the Sept. 15 clinic, can be found at https://www.stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth/.

Additionally, the rabies clinic that was set to be held in Ogdensburg on Oct. 14 has been cancelled. Ogdensburg is hopeful they will be able to get back to their regular rabies clinic schedule in 2021.