Genesee and Orleans Counties Offer Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Pets

Health departments provide tips to safely enjoy the outdoors this spring and prevent rabies transmission.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:39am

A minimalist design featuring glowing neon outlines of a raccoon, skunk, bat, and fox against a dark background, conceptually representing the need to be vigilant around wild animals that can transmit rabies.Vibrant neon silhouettes of common rabies-carrying animals serve as a stark visual warning to be cautious around wildlife this spring.Batavia Today

As the weather warms up, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are reminding residents to be cautious around wild animals and stray pets, as rabies can spread through animal bites. The departments are offering free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets throughout the spring and summer to help pet owners keep their animals up to date on shots and prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

Why it matters

Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can spread from wild animals to pets and then to humans through bites. With more people spending time outdoors in the spring, it's important for the community to be aware of rabies prevention tips and take advantage of the free vaccination clinics to keep their furry friends protected.

The details

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are urging residents to avoid contact with wild animals, stray pets, and even baby animals, as they can all potentially carry rabies. If bitten, it's crucial to wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. The departments are also reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

  • The Genesee County rabies vaccination clinics will be held on May 14, August 13, and October 8 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.
  • The Orleans County rabies vaccination clinics will be held on April 25, June 17, August 19, and October 7 at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

The players

Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The local public health agencies responsible for providing rabies prevention tips and hosting free vaccination clinics for pets in the two counties.

Darren Brodie

The Environmental Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, who is advising residents on rabies risks and prevention measures.

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What they’re saying

“Rabies usually spreads through bites from infected animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Even though baby animals may look harmless, they can still carry rabies. Do not touch or feed wild or stray animals. If an animal looks sick or injured, call animal control for help.”

— Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans Counties to ensure their pets are protected. Proof of previous vaccination will be required.

The takeaway

By following the health departments' rabies prevention tips and taking pets to the free vaccination clinics, the community can safely enjoy the outdoors this spring while protecting themselves and their furry friends from the risks of rabies transmission.