Dog and cat owners can have their pets vaccinated against rabies free of charge throughout September under a nationwide campaign involving volunteer private veterinarians.
The Action Stop Rage campaign, led by the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and the National Order of Veterinarians (ONV), runs from September 1 to 30 through participating private veterinary practices and clinics.
Vaccinations are available by appointment for dogs and cats aged at least three months, provided they are healthy enough to receive the vaccine.
Each animal is examined before the injection.
“First, we take the animal’s temperature, then we perform a general examination to ensure it is healthy enough to be vaccinated,” veterinarian Zakaria Oukal said.
The campaign is intended to increase vaccination coverage among pets and reduce the risk of rabies passing from animals to humans.
“Rabies continues to affect dogs and cats and can be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is the main means of prevention,” Oukal said.
Organizers are also seeking to make regular vaccination part of routine pet care rather than something owners consider only during vaccination drives.
“We want to develop a culture of prevention. When you adopt a dog or cat, you must ensure that it is vaccinated and receives proper healthcare,” Oukal said.
