This fall, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is teaming up again with participating veterinarians throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes, County of Haliburton and Northumberland County to provide reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics.
The clinics are intended to assist pet owners with financial challenges to ensure all animals have access to important immunizations.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The most common transmitters of the disease in Ontario are bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons; however infected pets and other domestic animals can also spread rabies. Rabies can be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva of an infected mammal through a bite, scratch or licking of an open wound.
“The HKPR District Health Unit has investigated 520 animal bite or scratch exposures since the beginning of 2024,” said Richard Ovcharovich, manager of environmental health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “You can help protect the health of your four-legged friends by ensuring your dog or cat is up to date on vaccinations.”
Rabies vaccination of pets and some livestock is the only mandatory vaccination of animals in Ontario. Pet owners must ensure their cats, dogs, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies at three months old, and ensure the animal is reimmunized against rabies by the date specified in the certificate of immunization.
“We want to thank the participating veterinary offices who are making these important clinics available to our communities,” Ovcharovich said. “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 the clinics are for you.”
In Haliburton, Dr. Israel Arteaga will visit Pet Valu, 231 Highland St., Haliburton from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. Rabies vaccine is $30. Microchip will also be available for an additional $30. 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. For more information, visit hkpr.on.ca/rabies.
