October 5, 2026

500 pets protected through World Rabies Day clinics

General Pet Care
Two people in navy Ontario SPCA tops examine a small white dog on a branded exam table, one with a red stethoscope.

500 pets protected through World Rabies Day clinics

Over the past two weeks, communities across Ontario have come together to help protect pets from rabies.

In recognition of World Rabies Day, the Ontario SPCA provided 500 free rabies vaccinations to pets through clinics in Muskoka, Cornwall, Akwesasne First Nation, Barrie, Stouffville, Sudbury, Durham and Thunder Bay.

The clinics helped make essential preventative veterinary care more accessible for people who may otherwise have difficulty accessing it for their pets.

A community effort

Making 500 vaccinations possible took more than vaccines alone. Veterinarians, volunteers, community partners, donors and the people who brought their pets to the clinics all played a role.

The 500 rabies vaccines were donated by Boehringer Ingelheim, helping make it possible for the Ontario SPCA to offer the clinics at no cost to participating pet parents.

“Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is preventable through vaccination,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By making this essential preventative care more accessible, we’re helping protect pets, the people who love them and our communities.”

Stronger together

World Rabies Day is observed every year on Sept. 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and bring people together in the effort to eliminate the disease.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reflects the importance of that collective effort.

While the 500 pets vaccinated through these clinics are now better protected against rabies, the impact reaches beyond those animals. Vaccinating pets helps reduce the risk of rabies spreading to other animals and people, making it an important part of protecting our communities.

One step toward a rabies-free world

Rabies remains a global health concern, but vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent the disease.

The Ontario SPCA is proud to have played a part in this year’s World Rabies Day efforts and grateful to everyone who helped make the clinics possible.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of donors and partners to provide programs and services that support animals and the people who love them across Ontario.

Not sure what you know about rabies? Test your knowledge with our rabies myth-busting video.

Learn more about rabies prevention and the Ontario SPCA’s work to improve access to veterinary care at ontariospca.ca/worldrabiesday

A tan and white puppy with big upright ears is held in someone’s arms and looks up at the camera.
A man in a white coat gives a vaccine to a cream and white spaniel while a smiling woman holds the dog.
A grey-muzzled brown and black dog rests on a woman’s shoulder and looks straight at the camera.
Two people in navy tops examine a small white dog on an exam table, one holding its head and one with a stethoscope.
A large black dog in a camouflage collar pants happily as a person pets its head beside a table of supplies.
A curly cream-coloured dog stands on its hind legs to greet a smiling woman in floral scrubs in an exam room.
A black and white spotted puppy with a black patch over one eye is held in someone’s arms.
A happy brindle dog leans in close to the camera on a sunny porch while another dog waits behind.
A smiling person with short dark hair hugs a black puppy in a pink harness close to their cheek.
A man in blue scrubs and a dog-print cap listens to a black kitten with a stethoscope on a pink paw-print blanket.