General News

Low-cost rabies clinics available to pet owners

October 5, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Low-cost rabies clinics are again available in Simcoe County.

This is an affordable way to get rabies shots for dogs and cats that are over three months old.

Clinics will be available in Tottenham, Alliston, Barrie, Oro-Medonte, and Penetanguishene through Oct. 29.

A schedule of clinics is listed on the Health Unit’s website at smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.

“Rabies is a fatal disease that can spread to humans through the bites or scratches of an infected animal,” said Felicia Ratiu, rabies program coordinator at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Fortunately, it is preventable which is why it is important to get your cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies. Even indoor pets need to be vaccinated as it is the best way to protect them and the human members of your family.”

One and three-year vaccines are being offered at the clinics depending on the animal’s vaccination status.

Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian to determine when their pet is due for its next rabies vaccination. It helps to bring the previous vaccination certificate to a clinic to make sure which vaccine is best.

The clinics provide vaccines against rabies to approximately 1,000 pets annually. Anyone unable to attend the limited low-cost clinic locations can contact their local vet to arrange to get their pet vaccinated.

In addition to vaccinating your pet, you can help prevent the spread of rabies by not allowing cats or dogs to roam free and keeping them indoors at night. Remind your family to stay away from unfamiliar dogs, cats, and all wildlife, including bats. In 2022, health unit staff investigated nearly 1,600 potential rabies exposure incidents. Of those, 40 per cent of the animals investigated were unvaccinated cats and dogs or for which rabies vaccination status was unknown. Many of the investigations resulted in rabies vaccines for people as a precaution.

The baiting of wild raccoons, skunks, and foxes and public awareness has made Ontario’s incidence of rabies lower than many other areas in North America.

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