Does your dog or cat need a rabies shot? Now is the time to get it done as the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is offering low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this weekend. The health unit says rabies is fatal for both people and pets, but preventable. It’s spread through bites and scratches from infected animals. Every year around this time, local veterinarians volunteer their time at the clinics. The SMDHU reminds people that not only is vaccination the best protection against rabies, it’s the law. The clinics are currently underway with the next one on Saturday in Severn at Pine Grove Veterinary Hospital from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A clinic will run in Barrie on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holly Animal Hospital. The prices range between $35 and $50 for a one-year or three-year vaccine. More clinics are scheduled in Alliston, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene and Tottenham throughout the rest of September and October. Full list of clinics Pet owners can also limit exposure to the disease by keeping their cats and dogs from roaming around and bringing them inside at night. Rabies circulates mostly through bats and other wildlife like raccoons, foxes and skunks. The disease can then infect pets or humans. The health unit advises people who have been scratched or bitten by a domestic or wild animal, to seek medical attention.
