Which animals are required to receive a rabies vaccination in Ontario?

The requirement for rabies vaccination in Ontario specifically mandates that cats and dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. This regulation is part of public health efforts to control the spread of rabies, which is a serious zoonotic disease that can affect both animals and humans.

Vaccinating dogs and cats beyond the specified age threshold is crucial, as it helps create a buffer against the transmission of rabies through these common domestic pets, particularly since they often interact with wildlife. The law does not extend the rabies vaccination requirement to all domestic pets regardless of age or to only livestock animals, as some species may have different health risk profiles concerning rabies exposure. Additionally, the notion that only animals in veterinary care would need vaccination is impractical, as pets that are not in a veterinary setting can also encounter rabies vectors, necessitating a preventive approach through widespread vaccination.