The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is teaming up again with participating veterinarians throughout the region to provide reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics so more dogs and cats can be protected.
The clinics are intended to help pet owners with financial challenges to allow them access to important immunizations. Officials say rabies is a deadly viral disease, and the most common transmitters are bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. Infected pets and other domestic animals can also spread it. Rabies can also be transmitted to humans.
“The health unit has investigated 375 animal bite or scratch exposures since the beginning of 2023,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health. “You can help protect the health of your four-legged friends by ensuring your dog or cat is up to date on vaccinations. Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.”
Rabies vaccination of pets and some livestock is the only mandatory vaccination of animals in Ontario. Pet owners must ensure that their cats, dogs, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies at 3 months old and are required to keep the shot up to date.
“We want to thank the participating veterinary offices who are making these important clinics available to our communities,” adds Ovcharovich. “By offering more clinics and dates this fall we can reach more people and more pets. If you are a pet owner who faces financial challenges, then these clinics are for you.”
This September and October, pet owners can get their dog or cat vaccinated against rabies for a reduced cost at the following participating veterinary clinics:
Friday, September 29
• Cambray Veterinary Services (Haliburton Feed and Seed, 138 Mallard Road, Haliburton) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 30
• Kawartha Animal Hospital (130 Angeline Street South, Lindsay) from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday, October 7
• Ganaraska Animal Clinic (146 Rose Glen Road South, Port Hope) from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Date: Saturday, October 14
• Fenelon Animal Clinic (474 County Road 121, Fenelon Falls) from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Omemee Veterinary Hospital (128 King Street West, Omemee) from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Strathy Road Animal Clinic (1 Strathy Road, Cobourg) from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The cost is $40 per animal (unless otherwise specified), cash only. No appointments are needed, dogs must remain on a leash and cats must be in a secure carrier. Owners should bring proof of their pet’s most recent rabies vaccinations if available.