Rabies is a serious disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord of mammals such as humans, pets, wild animals and farm animals. Animals that have rabies spread it through their saliva, usually by biting or scratching. Once the symptoms of rabies start, it is almost always deadly.
You cannot always tell if an animal has rabies by looking at it. It is important to see a doctor if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.
Visit our rabies fact sheet for more information.
Low-cost rabies clinics for dogs and cats
Low-cost rabies clinics are held throughout our districts.
- July 31, 2024 - 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. - McKellar Township Arena, 701 Hwy 124, McKellar ($35.00 per pet, cash only)
Refer to Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians for additional rabies vaccine clinics outside of North Bay Parry Sound.
What to do if you get bitten or scratched
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal:
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Contact your family doctor, visit the emergency department at your local hospital or go to a walk-in clinic
- Report the bite or scratch to the Health Unit
- Questions about specific animal bite reports are available upon request
Our role
- Follow up on all reports of animal bites and scratches to humans
- Give rabies vaccine to doctors for their patients, if needed
- Make sure that cats and dogs have their shots for rabies - it's the law
- Teach the public about rabies
Your role
- If you get bitten or scratched by an animal, report it to the Health Unit as soon as possible
- Get your pet vaccinated against rabies - it's the law
- If you walk your dog in public places, know the rules:
More information on rabies:
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Government of Ontario: Rabies and Rabies in Humans
- Rabies in Ontario-OMAFRA.gov.ca
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians
Resources for physicians and veterinarians
- Animal bite/scratch notification form
- Ontario Ministry of Health Management of Potential Rabies Exposures Guideline, 2020 / Lignes directrices concernant la gestion des cas d'exposition présumée à la rage, 2020
- Rabies vaccine/immune globulin usage report