The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering veterinarians several low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to help pet owners protect their dogs and cats, aged three months and older, from rabies.
The first clinic will be held on Sept. 20, in Midland, with additional clinics taking place in Barrie, Bracebridge, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Severn and Tottenham through to Oct. 25.
Health officials said one and three-year vaccines will be offered at clinics, depending on the animal’s vaccination status. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine when their pet is due for its next rabies vaccination.
Officials advised bringing the previous vaccination certificate to the clinic to ensure the best vaccine is administered.
According to health officials, rabies is a preventable disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, posing a risk to both pets and humans.
“The best way to protect yourself and your family against rabies is to have your pets vaccinated, it is also the law,” they said.
In 2024, health officials reported that public health inspectors investigated 1,804 potential rabies exposure incidents, with 1,551 of these incidents involving cats or dogs. They said around half of those investigations involved unvaccinated pets.
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.
To view the clinic schedule and locations, click here.
