Spring Reduced Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics in Port Hope and Fenelon Falls

PORT HOPE, ON (Mar 27, 2023) – This spring the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is teaming up with participating veterinarians in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County to provide Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The most common transmitters of the disease are bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons; however pets and other domestic animals can also spread rabies. In Ontario, all cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months old and must remain up to date for the duration of the pet’s life.

“Throughout 2022, the HKPR District Health Unit investigated 567 animal bite or scratch exposures in the County of Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “These investigations included 384 dogs, 105 cats and 78 other animals. At the time of the incidents, only 34% of dogs and 16% of cats were vaccinated for rabies.”

If an animal is infected, rabies can also be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva through a bite, lick of an open wound or scratch. Last year, 37 people in the HKPR District Health Unit area were treated with the rabies immune globulin and vaccine series, a life-saving treatment that can prevent rabies infection if given soon after an exposure. Additionally, 20 animals were submitted for testing with one bat testing positive for rabies.

“If you are a pet owner who faces financial challenges, then the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are for you,” says Richard Ovcharovich. “Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of caring for animals and being a responsible pet owner. By vaccinating your four-legged friend, you are also protecting the health of your family and loved ones.”

Spring Reduced Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics – Saturday April 15, 2023

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, pet owners can get their dog or cat vaccinated against rabies at these participating veterinarian clinics:

• Fenelon Animal Clinic (474 County Road 121, Fenelon Falls) from 9:00 a.m. to 12noon
• Ganaraska Animal Clinic (146 Rose Glen Road South, Port Hope) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

The Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics do not include an examination of pets. Owners will need to schedule another appointment with their vet to have their pet fully screened. Unfortunately, no clinics will be offered this spring in the County of Haliburton, as a participating veterinarian could not be found there.

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For media inquiries contact:

Maddie Forestell, Communications Officer, HKPR District Health Unit, mforestell@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577 x 1245 or Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Health Protection, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 2222