Town of Brookhaven Free Rabies Clinics Vaccinate Record 1,254 Animals

Brookhaven Town officials are celebrating a record year for the town’s Free Rabies Clinic Program, which provided vaccinations to 1,254 animals.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico recognized Dr. Ashley Caruana and the staff at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter for their work organizing and operating the program, which was co-sponsored by the Suffolk County Department of Health.

The program consisted of six Saturday clinics offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. Town officials said the clinics are designed to protect pets and residents from rabies while making preventive veterinary care more accessible to Brookhaven families.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Ashley Caruana and everyone at the Animal Shelter, the public and the Town of Brookhaven for bringing in our furriest of friends,” Panico said. “We exceeded our goal this year for vaccinations in conjunction with the Suffolk County Health Department Services, who made grants available.”

Panico said the program’s record turnout demonstrated strong participation from residents.

“I’m proud to say that more than 1,254 animals, including dogs, cats and even some ferrets, were vaccinated as part of this program,” Panico said. “Thank you to Dr. Ashley and everyone at our Animal Shelter.”

The program concluded with a busy final clinic during which Animal Shelter staff vaccinated 262 animals in a single day. That included 207 dogs and 55 cats, with all vaccinations provided free of charge.

Town officials said the rabies clinics are part of the Brookhaven Animal Shelter’s broader efforts to promote public health and responsible pet ownership throughout the community.

The shelter also operates several programs throughout the year, including Feral Cat Fridays and ongoing dog and cat adoption initiatives.

Residents seeking additional information about the Brookhaven Animal Shelter, its adoption programs or other services can visit BrookhavenNY.gov/AnimalShelter or call 631-451-6950.