Southampton Town Officials successfully hosted a Pet Vaccination (Rabies) & Licensing Day on September 30, 2025, launching a town-wide initiative to enhance public safety, improve community health, and reverse the recent decline in dog license registrations.
The event, held at the Town Hall, kicked off with a press conference featuring Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer, and Public Safety Director Ryan Murphy. They were joined by leaders from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and Humane Long Island to stress the critical importance of licensing and up-to-date vaccinations for all pets.
A handful of residents brought their dogs to the on-site mobile clinic for vaccinations and to license their furry friends with the assistance of the Town Clerk's office. Beyond the core services, the event served as a hub for veterinary resources with support from the Southampton Animal Shelter.
"This was a great first step in ensuring we register our pets and promote outstanding public safety and health standards here in the town," commented Councilmember Iasilli. "I want to thank Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer for helping me spearhead this initiative and Director Ryan Murphy for the dedicated efforts of his Public Safety team in making this a success,” he added.
The collaborative effort included:
- On-site Licensing: Residents could easily register and license their dogs with the help of the Town Clerk's staff.
- Accessible Vaccinations: The Southampton Animal Shelter’s mobile clinic provided quick access to essential pet vaccinations.
- Education and Engagement: Executive Director Chris Teakle and volunteers from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation shared information on adoption and fostering opportunities, while John Di Leonardo of Humane Long Island provided insights into their mission.
The Pet Vaccination & Licensing Day was intended to be a Public Service Announcement (PSA), reminding all residents that pet licensing is mandated by law and that the resources are consistently available. The Town Clerk’s Office is open year-round to help residents comply with licensing requirements. Footage of the press conference will be aired on Sea TV and Sun TV to continue promoting community awareness. It is also intended that Councilmember Iasilli and Town Clerk Schermeyer will conduct another event next year to continue the initiative.
Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer noted “I am delighted to support this effort to raise community awareness about the need and benefits of pet licensing and vaccination. Ensuring that pets are licensed and vaccinated contributes to better pet health and leads to more successful reunifications of people and their lost four-legged family members.”
Director Murphy added, “Recent rabies events in Nassau and Suffolk have helped to reinforce the need for vaccinations. Licensing of pets also helps us to plan for emergencies and appropriately try to allocate preparedness resources. Our pets are part of our family and our community, and we have to always think about and plan for their safety too.”
PHOTO GALLERY
From L-R: John Di Leonardo (Humane Long Island), Public Safety Director Ryan Murphy, Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer, Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Chris Teakle (Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation)
