Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that spreads from one animal to another. It can also spread to humans through contact with an infected animal's saliva. This can happen through bites, scratches and licks. Once symptoms appear, the disease is fatal.
Upcoming low-cost rabies vaccination clinics
Rabies investigations
The Health Department investigates all animal bites and scratches to prevent the spread of rabies to humans.
Anyone with information regarding an animal bite involving a human is required to report that information to the Health Department as soon as possible.
Report an animal bite online
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Role of the Health Department
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The Health Department investigates potential human exposure to rabies after an animal bite.
- We ensure the isolation and confinement of animals following the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care protocols.
- Visual examination of the animal at the end of the ten day observation period is required to confirm the animal survived.
- We make recommendations and deliver rabies treatment (rabies post- exposure prophylaxis) for animal bite victims to their health care provider in circumstances where treatment is needed.
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Role of pet owners during confinement period
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Keep your pet confined on your property and away from other people and animals, and bring them indoors at night.
Contact the Environmental Help Line to report your pet's death, escape, loss, theft or illness.
If your pet's rabies vaccination is not up to date, vaccinate your pet immediately after it has been it is released from confinement by the Health Department. By law, pet owners in Ontario must ensure that their dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age or older have a current rabies vaccination certificate.
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Animal bite reporting
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Report all animal bites to the Health Department following Ontario R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 557. Anyone who has information about an animal bite or other animal contact that could cause rabies should notify the Medical Officer for the Health Department.
Report an animal bite online
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Protect yourself and your pets from rabies
Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. Immunization against rabies is required by Ontario Regulation 567/90 Rabies Immunization under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for cats and dogs three months or older.
Rabies in Durham Region infographic
Upcoming low-cost rabies vaccination clinics |
Saturday, May 4Pickering Recreation Complex 1867 Valley Farm Road (O’Brien Room) Pickering 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- $20 per rabies vaccine.
- $20 per microchip.
- No appointment necessary.
- First come, first served.
*Cash only.
Saturday, May 11
Grand Valley Park
Concession 3 (West of Valley Farm Road)
Pickering
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- $20 per rabies vaccine.
- $20 per microchip.
- No appointment necessary.
- First come, first served.
*Cash only.
*Dogs only.
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Report stray animals
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To report lost, injured, wild or stray animals call your local municipality's animal services to have the animal removed from your neighbourhood.
Animal services contacts:
Ajax
Town of Ajax Municipal Office
Animal Services Department
65 Harwood Ave. South
Ajax, ON L1S 2H9
905-683-8275
Brock Township
Township Office
1 Cameron Street E., P.O. Box 10
Cannington, ON L0E 1E0
1-705-432-2355 or 1-866-223-7668
Clarington, including Courtice
Clarington Animal Services
33 Lake Road
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
905 623-7651
Oshawa, East Whitby and Columbus
City of Oshawa Animal Services
919 Farewell Street South
Oshawa, ON L1H 6N8
905-723-3488
Pickering
Pickering Animal Services
15 Reesor Rd.
Toronto, ON M1X 1R5
905-683-7575
Scugog and Uxbridge
Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Control Centre
1360 Reach Street
Port Perry, ON L9L 1B2
905-985-9547 or 1-800-871-4374
Whitby
Whitby Animal Services Centre
4680 Thickson Road North
Whitby, ON L1N 5R3
905-655-0283 or 1-866-788-PETS (7387)
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Update on raccoon rabies in Southern Ontario
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Fact sheets
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