SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Veterinarians in Simcoe County are once again offering low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to help pet owners protect their dogs and cats from rabies. The clinics are open to dogs and cats aged three months and older and provide an affordable way to keep pets protected.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. It poses a risk to both people and pets.

Local veterinarians volunteer their time each year to support the program and operate clinics across the region. The first clinic will take place Sept. 26 in Severn, with additional clinics scheduled in Alliston, Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene and Tottenham through Oct. 31. The schedule is available at smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.

Although human cases of rabies are extremely rare, the disease remains a public health concern. Rabies circulates at a low level among bats and other wildlife, including raccoons, foxes and skunks, which can transmit the disease to people and pets. In 2024, Ontario reported its first domestically acquired human rabies case in more than 50 years.

Vaccinating pets is the most effective way to protect families from rabies and is required by law. Pet owners can also reduce the risk of exposure by keeping cats and dogs from roaming freely, bringing pets indoors at night and avoiding contact with wildlife, including bats. Parents are encouraged to remind children not to approach unfamiliar animals.

Both one-year and three-year rabies vaccines will be available at the clinics, depending on an animal's vaccination history. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian to determine when their pet is due for its next vaccination. Bringing a previous rabies vaccination certificate will help clinic staff determine which vaccine your pet needs.

Those unable to attend one of the scheduled clinics can contact their local veterinarian to arrange vaccination.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal, or who has had direct contact with a bat, should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to their local public health unit.

For clinic dates, times and locations, visit smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.