HEALTH - Hamilton Low Cost Rabies Clinic Hosted by PetValu

Dr. Jeff Rabinovich, from the Bridletown Warden Animal Hospital, and his partners have successfully completed ten low cost rabies vaccine and microchip clinics in Ontario.

But due to the high incidence of rabies in the Hamilton area, Rabinovich has added an additional clinic this Sunday.

The initial clinics, done in partnership with PJ’s Pets, Pet Culture and HomeSafeTM, resulted in 929 rabies vaccinations and 360 microchip implants. All microchip implants included a HomeSafeTM package, providing the owner with lifetime protection for their animals.

The numbers are lower than last year, primarily due to the closing of PJ’s Pet Stores - the Hamilton and Brantford stores were unavailable this year.

Undaunted, Rabinovich found another partner to serve these areas.

“The Hamilton area is a known hot-spot for rabies in Ontario, and I felt I needed to try to help with low cost protection,” said Rabinovich. “Fortunately PetValu offered to host a clinic at their 801 Mohawk Rd West store, so we will be there this Sunday 1pm to 4pm rain or shine!”

The cost is $25 per rabies vaccine, $25 per microchip/HomeSafe™ registration combo, or $50 for both including HST (cash only).

There will be 200 vaccinations available, on a first-come, first-served basis.

PetValu

801 Mohawk Rd. West

Hamilton

1 - 4pm

Sunday, June 5th

Individuals attending the clinics have expressed their gratitude for the service and concern about where future clinics may be held.

With no definitive answer regarding new locations, Rabinovich promises to work hard at maintaining this service as it is the only way some owners can afford rabies protection.

Free Rabies Vaccines for Hamilton Families in Need

Associate Veterinary Clinics (AVC) and St. Matthew’s House are offering a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets of St. Matthew’s House clients and of families in need in the Hamilton area on Wednesday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Matthew’s House - 414 Barton Street E., Hamilton.

The clinic has been prompted by the outbreak of rabies in Ontario with the latest numbers from the Ontario government listing 108 cases of raccoon strain and 2 cases of fox strain rabies since December 2015.

Most all of the raccoon strain rabies have been found in the Hamilton area.

“The rabies outbreak in the Hamilton area continues to be a concern, and we want to do everything we can to help reduce the risk to pets and people while keeping the whole family safe.” says Jen Danyliw, Senior Regional Operations Director, Ontario, for Associate Veterinary Clinics. “This free rabies vaccination clinic is being supported by our veterinary hospitals in the area in collaboration with St. Matthews’s House. We will also have support on site from other human and veterinary health agencies and our industry partners.”

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies is an important part of rabies prevention for both pets and the people they live and interact with. It is especially important for all dogs and cats living in the Hamilton area, even those that are strictly indoor pets, to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies considering the recent outbreak of rabies virus in the area”, adds Kristina Cooper, RVT, Provincial Manager, OAVT Public Health Rabies Response Program.

Public health legislation requires that all pet owners in the province vaccinate their animals against rabies.

This free program will make vaccines more accessible to people in need - in this instance the clients of St. Matthew’s House and their families.

First Case of Rabies Found in Brantford, Ontario

Until last week, the majority of raccoon rabies cases in Ontario were concentrated in the Hamilton area.

That changed with the first reported case found in a raccoon from Brant County.

Along with the raccoon in Brantford, seven other new cases were reported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - five skunks and a raccoon from Hamilton and a raccoon from Haldimand County.

The total number of raccoon strain rabies is now 108, plus the two fox strain rabies cases since December 2015.

Pet owners interested in the low cost rabies vaccination and microchip/HomeSafe clinics, offered by Dr. Jeff Rabinovich from the Bridletowne Warden Animal Hospital, PJ’s Pets, PetCulture and HomeSafe™, have one more opportunity.

There is a clinic on Saturday, May 28th from noon until 4pm at PJ’s Pets in Brockville.

Stay up-to-date on the rabies situation in Ontario by visiting the government website.

Over 100 Rabies Cases in Ontario

The latest update from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reports 100 cases of raccoon strain rabies and two of fox strain rabies in the province since December 2015.

The most recent cases - nine reported last week - were all in the Hamilton area and all the raccoon strain. They were discovered in five raccoons and four skunks.

Pet owners are strongly encouraged to ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up-to-date. In fact, rabies vaccines are required by law in Ontario.

Low cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinics, put on by Dr. Jeff Rabinovich from the Bridletowne Warden Animal Hospital, PJ’s Pets, PetCulture and HomeSafe™, continue this weekend in Peterborough, Milton and Burlington making it more affordable for pet owners to comply.

In the meantime, the Ontario government continues with its rabies control operations to contain the spread of the disease.