PORT HOPE, ON (September 19, 2023) – This fall the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is teaming up again with participating veterinarians throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes, County of Haliburton and Northumberland County to provide Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics so more dogs and cats can be protected.

The Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are intended to assist pet owners with financial challenges to ensure all animals have access to important immunizations. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The most common transmitters of the disease in Ontario are bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons; however infected pets and other domestic animals can also spread rabies. Rabies can be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva of an infected mammal through a bite, scratch or licking of an open wound.

“The HKPR District Health Unit has investigated 375 animal bite or scratch exposures since the beginning of 2023,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “You can help protect the health of your four-legged friends by ensuring your dog or cat is up to date on vaccinations. Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.”

Rabies vaccination of pets and some livestock is the only mandatory vaccination of animals in Ontario. Pet owners must ensure that their cats, dogs, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies at 3 months old andshall ensure that the animal is reimmunized against rabies by the date specified in the certificate of immunization. In April, the Health Unit partnered with two veterinary clinics offering rabies vaccinations at a reduced cost where a total of 214 animals were vaccinated, including 154 dogs and 60 cats. This fall, the Health Unit expects more pets to be vaccinated by partnering with seven veterinary clinics to offer Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics on multiple dates.

“We want to thank the participating veterinary offices who are making these important clinics available to our communities,” says Richard Ovcharovich. “By offering more clinics and dates this fall we can reach more people and more pets. If you are a pet owner who faces financial challenges, then the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are for you.”

Fall Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics

This September and October, pet owners can get their dog or cat vaccinated against rabies for a reduced cost at the following participating veterinary clinics:

Date: Friday, September 29, 2023

• Cambray Veterinary Services (Haliburton Feed and Seed, 138 Mallard Road, Haliburton) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023

• Kawartha Animal Hospital (130 Angeline Street South, Lindsay) from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

 Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

• Ganaraska Animal Clinic (146 Rose Glen Road South, Port Hope) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00noon.

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

• Fenelon Animal Clinic (474 County Road 121, Fenelon Falls) from 9:00 a.m. to 12noon.
• Omemee Veterinary Hospital (128 King Street West, Omemee) from 9:00 a.m. to 12noon.
• Strathy Road Animal Clinic (1 Strathy Road, Cobourg) from 9:00 a.m. to 12noon.

Pricing and Booking an Appointment
The cost is $40 per animal (unless otherwise specified), cash only. No appointments are needed, dogs must remain on a leash and cats must be in a secure carrier. Owners should bring proof of their pet’s most recent rabies vaccinations if available.

These clinics do not include an examination of the pets. Owners are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their veterinarian to have their pet fully screened.