This May, Ottawa pet owners have a convenient opportunity to protect their dogs and cats from rabies, at no cost.
Ottawa Public Health and VCA Canada are hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm at Winthrop Court Community House (38 Winthrop Private, Ottawa, ON K2B 7C4).
Event Details
The clinic is open to dogs and cats 12 weeks of age or older.
- Free one-year rabies vaccine for all eligible dogs and cats.
- Free three-year rabies vaccine for animals with proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination.
- First come, first served, while supplies last.
- Multiple pets are welcome.
- Dogs must be on a leash. Cats must be in a carrier.
Questions? Contact the Ottawa Public Health Rabies team at 613-580-6744 or rabiesinfo@ottawa.ca.
Why Rabies Vaccination Matters for Your Pet
Rabies is a serious, almost always fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. While it is not common in domestic animals in Ottawa, the virus circulates in local wildlife. In Ontario, bats are the most frequently identified source of rabies exposure for both people and pets. Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks can also carry the virus.
A domestic dog or cat that comes into contact with infected wildlife, even briefly, can become infected. In Ontario, any dog or cat showing neurological symptoms after a potential rabies exposure may be required to undergo quarantine or testing under provincial regulations. All mammal bites, and any contact with a mammal that could potentially transmit rabies, must be reported to Ottawa Public Health or your local public health unit as soon as possible.
Vaccination is the most effective and lowest-cost protection available. A vaccinated pet is protected, and a vaccinated pet cannot transmit rabies to your family.
Rabies Vaccination for People
While this clinic is focused on pets, rabies is also a human health concern. Certain groups are at higher risk and should consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination: people who work with animals, veterinarians, cavers, and travellers to regions where dog rabies remains common.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or has had any contact with a bat (including finding one in a room where they were sleeping), should contact Ottawa Public Health immediately and speak with a healthcare provider about post-exposure prophylaxis, which must begin as soon as possible to be effective.
At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic, we provide both pre-exposure and post-exposure rabies vaccination for people. Our team can assess your individual risk and walk you through your options.
Mark Your Calendar
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Winthrop Court Community House, 38 Winthrop Private, Ottawa, ON K2B 7C4
No appointment required. First come, first served, while supplies last. Bring your dog on a leash or your cat in a carrier. Bring proof of current vaccination if you would like the three-year vaccine.
For more information on rabies in Ottawa, visit Ottawa Public Health
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