Reduced Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics return after hiatus due to COVID-19.

PORT HOPE, ON (September 20, 2022) – After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are returning to the region on October 1, 2022 to provide a dose of protection for pets. 

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is teaming up with select veterinarians in Brighton, Campbellford, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay and Port Hope to provide the clinics on October 1. The last time these clinics were held was in Fall 2019. Unfortunately, no clinics will be offered this fall in Haliburton County, as a participating veterinarian could not be found there.  

Costs for the rabies vaccination at these clinics is $40 per animal (unless otherwise specified). Cash only and no appointments are needed. Pet owners are urged to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and also bring proof of their pet’s most recent rabies vaccination if possible. COVID-19 precautions will be in place, with masks required to be worn indoors and recommended if unable to physically distance. Everyone is asked to follow the COVID-19 protocols, and anyone who is feeling sick should stay home. 

“If you are a pet owner who faces financial challenges, then the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are for you,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Health Protection with the HKPR District Health Unit. “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.”  

Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics Coming on October 1 

Here is a list of clinics being offered in Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes: 

Brighton 

• Presqu’ile Animal Hospital (46 Prince Edward St.), 9 am to 1 pm (or while supplies last) 

Campbellford  

• English Line Veterinary Services (527 County Rd 38), 9 am to Noon 

Fenelon Falls  

• Fenelon Animal Clinic (474 County Road 121), 9 am to Noon 

Lindsay 

• Kawartha Animal Hospital (130 Angeline St S.)  8 am to Noon 

Port Hope 

• Dale Veterinary Clinic (121 Toronto Rd., Unit 131), 2-5 pm (Registration starts at 1:30 pm) 

• Ganaraska Animal Clinc (146 Rose Glen Rd. S.), 9 am to 1 pm 

The Health Unit notes that 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.  

The timing of the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic comes only days after World Rabies Day on September 28 – a global event meant to highlight the importance of rabies vaccination to protect pets and people. “It’s a timely reminder of 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. In each of the past three years, the Health Unit has investigated more than 600 animal bite/scratch incidents in Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. 

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For media inquiries, contact: 

Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Health Protection, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 2222.

About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.