Lakelands Public Health is gearing up for its fall campaign of reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics.
Partnering with animal welfare organizations and veterinary clinics across the region, the initiative ensures pets are protected, while reducing financial barriers for pet owners. This in turn protects the health of the public in our region through prevention of rabies.
“For many residents, pets provide friendship, comfort, and companionship every day, but there is a financial stress for some pet owners,” said Richard Ovcharovich, manager of environmental health with Lakelands Public Health.
“These reduced-rate rabies vaccination clinics make it easier for pet owners to keep their animals healthy and protected from rabies, while supporting a safer community for everyone.”
While human cases are extremely rare in Canada thanks to prevention in animals and management of human exposures, rabies still kills an estimated 59,000 people worldwide. World Rabies Day will be held Sept. 28 to raise awareness and improve prevention.
Rabies is a preventable but fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. While bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are the wildlife species most linked to rabies in Ontario, unvaccinated pets and livestock can also become infected. Exposure can occur through bites, scratches, or contact between infected saliva and broken skin or other vulnerable areas of the body. Keeping pets vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect animals, their owners, and the community from rabies.
In Haliburton County, reducedcost rabies vaccination clinics will be offered at the following locations:
• Sept. 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Cardiff Community Centre, hosted by Dr. Himann
• Sept. 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wilberforce Community Centre, hosted by Dr. Himann
The reduced rate for the rabies vaccine is $40 and some clinics are also offering microchipping at a reduced rate ranging between $40-$60. When attending a clinic, dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers or otherwise securely restrained. Owners should bring proof of previous rabies vaccination if available.
These clinics do not include a full veterinary examination.
For more information about rabies and clinic details, please visit LakelandsPH.ca/RabiesClinics.
