With Ontario experiencing increased rabies cases in 2026, including 23 confirmed rabies-positive bats reported, Barrie SPCA is urging residents to keep their pets safe.
Monday was World Rabies Day, and local dogs got a boost with a free vaccination today.
This inaugural year of the program at the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre was a success, with a fully booked schedule of 25 appointments for vaccinations.
“Rabies is the world’s deadliest zoonotic disease, but it’s one that can be entirely preventable, and we don’t want to have any financial barriers for people to be able to provide those vaccines for their animals,” Janna Handiak, operations manager at the centre, shared with Barrie Today during the clinic.
A veterinarian gives a rabies vaccine to a dog at the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre on Patterson Road in Barrie on Monday, which is World Rabies Day. | Kevin Lamb/Barrie Today
A zoonotic disease is an infectious illness that spreads naturally between animals and humans.
Rabies can be deadly for both pets and their owners.
A typical appointment for a rabies vaccination costs just over $100, so this free service means significant savings for many pet owners.
“In 2026, there’s heightened rabies activity, with 23 confirmed rabies-positive bats reported this year so far. Active raccoon rabies outbreaks have also occurred along the eastern and southern borders,” Handiak said.
Meanwhile, in a small examination room, Toby-a six-year-old small dog-seemed nervous and shaky. He appeared unsure about what was happening as a veterinarian filled out paperwork before giving him his shot.
Toby didn’t make a sound after getting vaccinated; he was very brave.
Toby’s owner, Daniele Eldridge called it “an easy process,” especially since it was free.
How did she feel Toby handled his appointment?
“He was perfect; he loved it. He’s calm and he’s relaxed – he usually shakes, so this is really good,” the Barrie resident explained about his behavior around the doctor.
The next pup in line was Chai-a fluffy little dog-who looked genuinely nervous but received his shot without much fuss. Lots of love from his owner seemed to help ease his anxiety.
This way, both pups are protected against the serious threat of rabies for at least another year until they need their next vaccine.
Chai gets some love from their owner to relieve anxiety as they get a rabies vaccine at the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre on Patterson Road in Barrie on Monday, which is World Rabies Day. | Kevin Lamb/Barrie Today
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