Lakelands Public Health, community partners offer reduced-cost rabies clinics
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Lakelands Public Health is gearing up for its fall campaign to offer reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics for canine and feline friends in the region.
Partnering with local animal welfare organizations and veterinary clinics across its coverage area, Lakelands Public Health said the initiative ensures pets are protected, while reducing financial barriers for pet owners. This, in turn, protects the health of the public through prevention of rabies, said the health unit.
“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.”
The health unit said while human cases are extremely rare in Canada because of prevention efforts for animals and management of human exposures, rabies still kills an estimated 59,000 people worldwide. World Rabies Day is Monday, Sept. 28 and targets raising awareness and improving 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, noted officials.
Keeping pets vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect animals, their owners and the community from rabies, added the health unit.
Under Ontario Regulation 567 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, all cats, dogs, and ferrets must also be vaccinated against rabies at three months of age and remain up-to-date with regular vaccination throughout their lives.
Reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics will be offered at the following locations:
Friday, Oct. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pine Ridge Veterinary Clinic, which is located at 483 Ontario St. in Cobourg
Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Presqu’ile Animal Hospital, which is located at 46 Prince Edward St. in Brighton.
Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alderville First Nation Community Centre, which is located at 8913-A County Rd. 45 in Roseneath. This clinic will also offer microchipping.
The reduce rate for the rabies vaccine is $40 and some clinics are also offering microchipping at a reduced rate ranging between $40 and $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. Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular vet appointments to ensure pets receive comprehensive care, noted Lakelands Public Health.
For more information about rabies and clinic details, visit LakelandsPH.ca/RabiesClinics.
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