HBSPCA Celebrates World Rabies Day with Life-Saving Community Impact

Each year, World Rabies Day — recognized on September 28 —brings together organizations and communities across the globe with one shared goal: to eliminate rabies and protect lives.

This year, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) proudly joined this worldwide effort as an official World Rabies Day partner.

Thanks to a generous donation of 100 rabies vaccines from Veterinarians Without Borders, our team was able to provide life-saving protection to pets at our Pet Health Outreach Clinics leading up to World Rabies Day.

These vaccines mean more than just disease prevention — they represent peace of mind for families, safer neighborhoods, and a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

Why Rabies Prevention Matters

Rabies is a 100% fatal disease once symptoms appear — but it’s also 100% preventable through vaccination.

While rabies is rare in our region, keeping pets vaccinated is essential to:

• Protect pets and people from a deadly disease
• Stop rabies at the source, preventing its spread to wildlife or other animals
• Safeguard our community and public health
• Support global efforts to end rabies worldwide

By vaccinating pets, we’re not only preventing needless suffering but also ensuring our community remains safe and connected to this vital international mission.

Reaching Pets and Families Who Need It Most

For many families, access to veterinary care can be out of reach due to financial challenges, transportation barriers, or lack of nearby services. Our outreach clinics are designed to bridge that gap, meeting pets and their people where they are.

During these special World Rabies Day clinics, families received free rabies vaccinations for their pets — in addition to the core care we always provide, including:

• Full health exams
• Core vaccines (FVRCP/Da2PPv)
• Flea prevention doses
• Deworming treatments
• Pet-permitting nail trims

These services not only protect pets from preventable diseases but also strengthen the human-animal bond, empowering families to care for their beloved companions.

A Community-Wide Impact

This World Rabies Day, our work was about more than just vaccines.

It was about creating ripple effects of care and safety:

• 100 pets now protected against rabies, reducing public health risks
• Families given peace of mind knowing their pets are safe
• A stronger community network supporting accessible veterinary care
• Greater awareness of the global effort to eliminate rabies by 2030

When pets are healthy and protected, families are happier, and the entire community becomes safer.

Gratitude and Next Steps

The HBSPCA is deeply grateful to Veterinarians Without Borders for their generosity and to our dedicated team and volunteers who made this effort possible.

World Rabies Day may only come once a year, but our work continues every day — ensuring pets have access to the care they need and families never face barriers to keeping their companions healthy and safe.

Healthier pets mean safer families and stronger communities.

Explore how our outreach programs are making a difference — and how you can get involved!

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