If you have a dog, you know that you need to vaccinate them against rabies. Have you ever thought about what could happen if you didn't?
World Rabies Day is this Sunday, September 28th - an occasion for us to stop and think about all those dogs that need help.
Every year, tens of thousands of dogs die from rabies - and more than 55,000 people die each year from the disease. Rabies is one of the few diseases that has no cure, so unless people are vaccinated, the disease is fatal.
Although most of the affected animals and people live in developing countries, Canadians still face risks of rabies from wildlife such as foxes, wolves and bats. In communities such as Nunavik, Cambridge Bay, and North-West Territories, ensuring healthy dog populations and reducing risks of rabies from wildlife is as important as ever.
This is why Vets without Borders supports Dr. Susan Kutz and her team from Calgary to provide clinics in these small communities to protect the pets that families hold dear. Her programs include full-scale veterinary services as well as outreach and education for remote communities. In the future, Dr. Kutz hopes to develop long-term services in partnership with veterinary students, who will be able to gain experience and bring needed care to the northern territories.
Overseas, Vets without Borders also helps protect communities in Laos and Cambodia against the very real risk of fatal rabies bites from dogs.
Thanks to your support, we can continue helping dogs and their families in Canada and overseas, for those who need it most!
