The best way to protect yourself and your family from rabies is to have your pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals and stray dogs and cats. Even indoor pets need to be vaccinated for protection against rabies.
In Ontario, all dogs and cats over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.
Other animals, including ferrets and livestock such as horses, cattle, deer and sheep, must also be vaccinated if they have contact with the public. Pet and livestock owners must provide proof of vaccination if asked by a public health inspector.
Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics
Pets can get a rabies vaccine during a routine veterinary visit. If your dog or cat did not get their rabies vaccine during a routine visit, you may be able to get one at a low-cost clinic in your area.
The health unit works with local veterinarians each year to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics across Simcoe Muskoka. These clinics are usually held in the fall and offer a low-cost way to meet Ontario's rabies vaccination requirements.
All Fall Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics have concluded for 2026.
Please check back in late summer of 2027 for our 2027 Fall Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics schedule.
Additional Low-cost Clinics:
Other organizations offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year.
For information about low-cost rabies vaccination clinics available throughout the year, including clinics outside Simcoe Muskoka, visit:
Staying Safe Around Animals
Adults should remind children that you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies by looking at it. Children should:
- Always ask permission before petting a dog or cat.
- Tell an adult right away if they ever see a lost, unfamiliar or injured animal.
- Never touch or play with a wild animal, even squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, rabbits or bats.
- Tell an adult right away if they have touched an animal or are scratched or bitten by one.
- Learn about the risks of contact with with wild or unknown animals. Resources in both English and French.
Report all animal bites and scratches to the
health unit.
