With many dogs and cats considered part of the family, it’s important to give them the protection they deserve – especially from rabies.
To make that easier for local pet owners, Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics take place in Northumberland County on Saturday, September 28. Fittingly, that’s World Rabies Day – a global event meant to highlight the importance of rabies vaccination to protect pets and people.
“Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of caring for animals and being a responsible pet owner,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Environmental Health Manager with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “By vaccinating your four-legged friend, you are also protecting the health of your family and loved ones.”
Cost for the rabies vaccination at these clinics is $35 per animal (cash only), with owners being urged to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. People are also asked to bring proof of their pet’s most recent rabies vaccination if possible. The Health Unit notes that the Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics do not include an examination of pets. If they want, people need to schedule another appointment with their vet to have their dog or cat fully screened. Below is a full list of local clinics:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
BRIGHTON:
Hrushy Veterinary Housecall Services runs a clinic at the Codrington Fire Hall (1256 County Road 27), 9 am to 2 pm
COBOURG:
Midtown Animal Hospital (483 Division St.), 9 am to 1 pm
Pine Ridge Veterinary Clinic (483 Ontario St.), 9 am to 1 pm
Strathy Road Animal Clinic (1 Strathy Rd., Unit 4), 9 am to 1 pm
PORT HOPE:
Dale Veterinary Clinic (121 Toronto Rd., Unit 131), 9 am to 1 pm
Ganaraska Animal Clinic (146 Rose Glen Rd. S.), 9 am to 1 pm
Port Hope Veterinary Hospital (25 Peter St.), 8 am to Noon
If people cannot make it to clinics on September 28, another one is offered as follows:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
ALDERVILLE FIRST NATION:
Alderville Community Centre (8913 County Road 45), 10 am to 1 pm
Currently, there is heightened awareness about rabies, especially since a British Columbia man died from the disease in mid-July after coming in contact with a rabid bat. Human deaths from rabies in Canada are rare, due to constant monitoring and treatment. “This recent rabies death is an important reminder that we need to be vigilant against rabies, especially if we encounter wild animals or come in contact with unvaccinated pets like dogs and cats,” Ovcharovich says.
Rabies can be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, lick or scratch. If left untreated, rabies is fatal.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
