MASSENA - Animal owners in the Massena and Potsdam area will have the opportunity to vaccinate their pets against rabies when the towns both host rabies clinics on May 15.

Both clinics will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., with Potsdam’s clinic being held at their town barn and Massena’s clinic being held at the Massena highway garage.

While Potsdam is hosting their clinic on their own, Massena’s clinic is actually a partnership with the town of Louisville.

“The reason we partnered up was so if we incurred any costs we could split it,” Massena Town Clerk Georgette L. Davis said.

Ms. Davis explained the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department is providing vaccines for clinics, but the hosting communities are responsible for the cost of the syringes, and personnel needed for the clinic.

“There’s a lot they require,” she said, explaining they need to hire a veterinarian and a veterinarian technician for the clinic.

“Our hope is we can collect enough money to put some aside for next year,” Ms. Davis said, adding next year’s clinic will be in Louisville.

In addition to vaccines, Potsdam, Massena and Louisville residents will be able to purchase dog licenses at their respective clinics.

In Potsdam, licenses cost $5 if the dog is spayed or neutered and $15 if they’re not. Licenses in Louisville and Massena are $6 and $14.

Louisville Dog Control Officer RosAnne Bender added that in Louisville there is an additional $7 charge, if a dog is found unlicensed during a dog census, something that she will be starting in town later this month.

Vaccinations will be offered for dogs, cats and ferrets and all animals must be carriers or under the control of an adult.

While only Louisville, Potsdam or Massena residents may purchase licenses at the clinics, Ms. Davis said the clinics are open to anyone.

The vaccines will be offered for free, but donations will be accepted and will help offset the cost of the program.

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