Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics Return For Limited Time
by Bob Montgomery
Three low-cost rabies vaccination clinics will be provided by Blyth Veterinary Services, in partnership with Huron Perth Public Health.
Dr. Lee Siertesma from Blyth Veterinary Services says their goal is to be able to vaccinate as many pets as possible for owners on a tight budget who are not able to see a vet regularly otherwise. “We apply for a special license from our governing licensing body, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, and partner with Huron Perth Public Health to put on these events. We have held these clinics annually for many years, after detecting rabies in a local farm animal years ago.”
“Rabies is a fatal disease to humans. Though cases of rabies in humans in Canada are extremely rare, vaccination of pets helps reduce the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. Rabies is still found regularly in the wildlife population in Ontario, most commonly in bats and sometimes in raccoons, foxes, and skunks,” says Patrick Landry, Public Health Inspector with Huron Perth Public Health.
The rabies vaccination clinics will be held at these locations and times:
Blyth Veterinary Services, 234 Queen St. S., Blyth:
Friday, August 16 from 1–4 pm
Saturday, August 17 from 9 am–12 pm
St. Helen’s Community Hall, 85656 St. Helen’s Line:
Wednesday, September 4 from 1–4 pm
No appointment is needed for these clinics. The cost is $30 cash per animal.
Legally, all domestic dogs, cats and ferrets require vaccination against rabies from age 3 months and continuously throughout their lives within the province of Ontario. Public Health Inspectors review vaccination certificates when cases of pets biting people are reported to the health unit.
Rabies vaccination is required to take pets across the border to the United States. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced updated requirements as of Aug. 1, 2024 for dogs entering the U.S. including microchipping. This year, Blyth Vet Services will also offer a low-cost microchipping service as well, coinciding with the rabies clinics.
