September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global day of action and awareness focused on preventing rabies in both animals and humans. While rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, it is also 100% preventable—which is why vaccination and education remain critical tools in protecting public and animal health.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Surrey, we’re reminding pet owners of the importance of keeping pets up to date on their vaccinations, avoiding contact with wildlife, and knowing what to do in the event of a potential rabies exposure.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease caused by a Lyssavirus that targets the central nervous system. It spreads through the bite or saliva of an infected animal and can affect dogs, cats, wildlife, humans, and other mammals.
Once inside the body, the virus travels to the brain, causing severe neurological symptoms including changes in behaviour, aggression, paralysis, and death. Once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal—making prevention essential.
Rabies in Canada: What’s the Risk?
Thanks to strong vaccination programs, the risk of rabies in Canada is low—but it does still occur.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there have been 63 confirmed cases of rabies in Canada so far in 2025, including 1 case in British Columbia. Most cases involve wildlife species such as:
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Foxes
Although domestic dog and cat cases are rare, unvaccinated pets can become infected after contact with rabid wildlife. This is why consistent vaccination is so important—even for indoor-only pets.
What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?
Rabies symptoms typically progress in two stages:
Early signs may include:
- Sudden changes in behaviour
- Anxiety or unusual shyness
- Aggression
- Fever
- Vocal changes
- Unexplained running or restlessness
Advanced signs may include:
- Seizures
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth
- Loss of coordination
- Hind limb weakness or paralysis
If you see these signs in any animal—especially a wild one—avoid contact and alert animal control.
Why Vaccination Matters
Rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, and ferrets are mandatory in Canada—typically administered at 3 months, boosted after one year, then maintained per vaccine guidelines.
The AVMA recommends that any vaccinated pet exposed to rabies should receive a booster and be monitored for 45 days, while unvaccinated pets must undergo 90-day quarantine or euthanasia, following public health directives.
Vaccinating pets nurtures a protective buffer between wildlife and humans, making pet vaccination Canada’s frontline defense.
How to Protect Your Pets and Family from Rabies
- Vaccinate your pets
Make sure your dog, cat, or ferret is up to date on their rabies vaccine, even if they live indoors. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies transmission. - Know what to do after a bite
If your pet is bitten by a wild animal: Wash the wound thoroughly and bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Depending on vaccination status, they may need a rabies booster and a quarantine period.
If a person is bitten: Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention right away. Let the healthcare provider know about the animal bite so that post-exposure treatment can begin if needed. - Supervise pets outdoors
Avoid letting pets roam unsupervised, and keep garbage secure to discourage visits from wildlife. - Avoid wildlife contact
Teach children not to approach wild animals, especially bats. Bat-proof your home and inspect attics and chimneys for possible access points.
We’re here to help
As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma. With specialists on-staff and on-call, we are ready to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.
For more information, visit our emergencies page or call us at (604) 514-8383.
On World Rabies Day and every day, prevention makes the difference. Keep pets vaccinated, stay informed, and act quickly if exposure occurs—because together, we can protect Surrey from this deadly but preventable disease.
