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Low-cost rabies clinics providing protection for cats and dogs

October 13, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

It is a requirement for pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have been vaccinated against rabies.

The vaccine not only protects animals, it protects pet owners. 

Low-cost rabies clinics will again be offered in Simcoe County. The clinics are offered annually by local veterinarians who give their time to participate in the program and operate the clinics.

One and three-year vaccines are being offered depending on the animal’s vaccination status. Pet owners should speak with their Vet to determine when the animal is due for its next rabies vaccination.

You should bring the previous vaccination certificate when visiting a clinic so a Vet can make sure which vaccine is best for your pet.

“Cats and dogs are part of the family and vaccinating them against rabies protects them and the human members of your family,” said Felicia Ratiu, rabies program coordinator at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Vaccinating pets against rabies is also required by law and these clinics are an affordable option for pet owners.”

The clinics provide vaccines against rabies to thousands of pets every year. Anyone unable to attend the limited low-cost clinic locations can contact their local veterinarian to arrange to get their pet vaccinated.

As a result of baiting wild raccoons, skunks, and foxes along with public awareness, Ontario’s incidence of rabies is lower than many other areas in North America.

In addition to vaccinating your pet, you can help prevent the spread of rabies by not allowing cats or dogs to roam free, and by keeping them indoors at night. You should also stay away from unfamiliar dogs and cats as well as all wildlife.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can spread to humans through the bites or scratched of an infected animal.

In 2021, Health Unit staff investigated 1,603 animal exposure incidents. Many of these investigations resulted in rabies vaccines for people as a precaution.

You can find out rabies clinic times and dates by visiting the Health Unit website at smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.

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