Towns Plan Joint Rabies Clinic

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Rabies is a very serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. Rabies is usually a disease of animals, but it can spread from an infected animal to a person. In people, the disease can be prevented by getting vaccinated after exposure; otherwise, the disease is fatal. The animals that most commonly carry rabies in Massachusetts are raccoons, skunks and bats.

Since 1992, more than 5,000 animals have tested positive for rabies in Massachusetts. Most of these cases occurred in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, woodchucks and foxes, but every year some pets (especially cats) and farm animals also get rabies. Fortunately, there is a vaccine to protect dogs and cats from rabies.

Franklin and Bellingham residents are invited to bring their pets to our Rabies Clinic hosted by the Franklin/Bellingham Animal Control on April 29th, 2023. The clinic will run from 9am - 12pm at 15 Public Works Way in Franklin, MA. The fee is $20. Questions? Call 508 520 4922