Cumberland County schedules free 2026 rabies vaccination clinics

Cumberland County has released its 2026 rabies clinic schedule, offering free vaccinations for residents at multiple township locations this spring and a county clinic in the fall. The lineup is intended to make rabies prevention accessible across the county by holding clinics in Millville, Bridgeton, Leesburg, Laurel Lake, Carll’s Corner, Fairton, Cedarville and other local hubs.

The Cumberland County Health Department will host clinics at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3001 Carmel Rd, Millville, on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and again on Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Municipal clinics include Hopewell Township at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building, 590 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton, on Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon; Maurice River Township at Leesburg Fire Department, 550 Main St, Leesburg, on March 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Commercial Township at Laurel Lake Fire Department, 5436 Battle Lane, Laurel Lake, on Saturday, March 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon; Upper Deerfield Township at Upper Deerfield Fire Department #3, 69 Cornwell Drive, Carll’s Corner, on March 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Fairfield Township at Fairfield Township Municipal Complex-Garage, 70 Fairton-Gouldtown Rd, Fairton, on Saturday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; and Lawrence/Downe Township at Cedarville Fire Department, 30 Maple Ave, Cedarville, on March 28 from noon to 2:00 p.m.

This is a free service for all residents. Only healthy cats and dogs that can be safely restrained will be vaccinated at municipal clinics, and pet owners may attend any clinic on the list regardless of township of residence. If an animal has been vaccinated for rabies in the past, owners must bring proof of prior rabies vaccine to receive a three-year certificate. Pets must be on a leash or in a ventilated carrier; a leash is also recommended as an extra precaution for pets in carriers. Properly fitted muzzles are suggested when necessary for the safety of people and animals. Municipalities and the Cumberland County Health Department are not responsible for animals that get away.

From a public health perspective, these clinics reduce the risk of rabies transmission to people and pets by increasing countywide vaccine coverage. Free, local clinics help lower barriers for low-income households and residents without regular veterinary access, though transportation, animal handling skills and work schedules may still limit attendance for some families.

For Cumberland County households, the spring clinics present the first opportunity to update or establish rabies protection; the September fairgrounds clinic provides a fall option for those who cannot attend earlier dates. Residents planning to attend should gather proof of any prior rabies shots, secure pets with appropriate leashes or carriers, and choose the site and time that best fits their schedule.