SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Veterinarians in Simcoe County are offering several low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to help pet owners protect their dogs and cats, aged three months and older, from rabies—a preventable but potentially fatal disease. Spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, rabies poses a risk to both pets and humans. These clinics provide an affordable way for pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated and safe.

Low-cost rabies clinics are offered annually by local veterinarians who generously give their time to participate in the program and operate the clinics. The first clinic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Midland, with additional clinics taking place in Barrie, Bracebridge, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Severn and Tottenham through to Oct. 25. A schedule of clinics is listed on the health unit’s website at smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.

In 2024 the first domestically acquired human case of rabies was reported in Ontario in over 50 years Although this case occurred outside of Simcoe Muskoka and human cases are exceedingly rare, it is important to remember that rabies is present among the bats and wild animals such as racoons, fox and skunks who live in and around our communities and they can pass the disease to pets and people.

The best way to protect yourself and your family against rabies is to have your pets vaccinated, it is also the law. In addition to vaccinating your pet, you can help prevent the spread of rabies by not allowing cats or dogs to roam free and keeping them indoors at night. Remind your family to stay away from unfamiliar dogs and cats, as well as all wildlife, including bats.

One and three-year vaccines are being offered at clinics, depending on the animal’s vaccination status. Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian to determine when their pet is due for its next rabies vaccination. It helps to bring the previous vaccination certificate to a clinic to make sure which vaccine is best. If you are unable to attend the limited low-cost clinics, contact your local vet to arrange to get your pet vaccinated.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal or been in direct contact with a bat should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to public health. In 2024, the health unit’s public health inspectors investigated 1,804 potential rabies exposure incidents, of which 1,551 involved cats or dogs. Approximately half of these investigations involved unvaccinated pets.

For information about low-cost rabies clinic times and dates visit smdhu.org/RabiesClinics.