Animals need vaccines, too. And the Westchester County Health Department is helping pet owners vaccinate their furry friends this weekend — for free.

In conjunction with the Peekskill Animal Hospital, health officials will sponsor a free rabies vaccination clinic for the cats, dogs and ferrets of Westchester residents this Sunday at the Peekskill Animal Hospital at 1966 Crompond Road in Peekskill.

The clinic will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and appointments are necessary. To make one, or for more information call the hospital directly at 914-737-2620.

The vaccinations will be free if no examination is given. Examinations and other types of vaccines will also be available at low cost during the clinic. Cats and ferrets must be brought in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled.

Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through the bite or saliva of infected animals. Those animals most commonly infected are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals are also at risk because they can easily contract rabies from wild or stray animals.

To learn more about rabies and its prevention, residents can call the Health Department’s Rabies Hotline: 914-813-5010.