World Rabies Day: Protecting Pets, Families and Our Community
September 28 is World Rabies Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about rabies and the importance of prevention.
For pet owners in Ontario, rabies may not be something you think about every day. But because rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect both animals and people, keeping pets protected remains an important part of responsible pet care.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, livestock and people. The virus is primarily spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite.
Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The good news is that rabies is preventable through vaccination.
Rabies in Ontario
Rabies continues to be present in Ontario wildlife. Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are among the wildlife species commonly associated with rabies in the province. Ontario also has ongoing programs to monitor and control rabies in wildlife populations.
While the overall risk to an individual pet may be low, exposure can happen unexpectedly. A curious dog investigating a wild animal, an outdoor cat encountering a raccoon or skunk, or even an interaction with a bat can potentially result in exposure.
That is why vaccination remains so important, even for pets that spend most of their time at home.
Is rabies vaccination required in Ontario?
Yes. Under Ontario's Rabies Immunization Regulation, dogs and cats three months of age and older are required to be vaccinated against rabies and kept up to date.
After the initial vaccination, your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate booster schedule based on the vaccine used and your pet's individual needs.
Keeping your pet's rabies vaccination current does more than meet a legal requirement. It provides an important layer of protection for your pet, your family and the broader community.
What about indoor pets?
This is a common question we hear from pet owners.
“My cat never goes outside. Does it really need a rabies vaccine?”
Yes. Ontario's vaccination requirement applies to cats regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor pets.
Even pets that live primarily indoors can potentially encounter wildlife. Bats, for example, can enter homes, and exposure to a bat may not always be obvious.
Keeping indoor pets vaccinated helps provide protection in situations that are difficult to predict.
What should you do if your pet encounters wildlife?
If your pet has been bitten or potentially exposed to a wild animal, contact your veterinarian promptly, even if your pet appears completely healthy.
Do not wait for signs of illness to develop.
If possible, keep your pet away from other people and animals while you contact your veterinarian for guidance. Do not attempt to handle or capture a wild animal yourself.
Ontario recommends contacting your veterinarian if you believe your pet has come into contact with an animal that may have rabies. Your veterinarian can help assess the circumstances and determine the appropriate next steps.
If a person has been bitten or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies, contact your local public health unit immediately.
A simple reminder for World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day is a good opportunity to take a moment and check your pet's vaccination records.
Not Sure When Your Pet Was Last Vaccinated?
We can help. Contact us and our team can review your pet’s records and help you determine whether their rabies vaccination is current.
A simple vaccine today can help protect your pet from a disease that we never want your family to have to face.
Veterinary care for pets who are apart of the family.
This World Rabies Day, let's work together to keep our pets protected.
