Every year on September 28th, organizations around the globe come together to recognize World Rabies Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the oldest, yet entirely preventable, diseases: rabies. At the SPCA of Brazoria County, we are proud to join this international effort to educate our community and promote prevention through vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and awareness.
Rabies: A Global and Local Concern
Rabies is not a disease of the past or something that only happens in faraway countries. It is present right here in the United States. In fact, Texas has historically held the #1 spot in the nation for laboratory-confirmed rabies cases in animals, and though we are now in 3rd place, the risk remains real. This decline is encouraging and proves that prevention works—but we must stay vigilant to keep the trend moving in the right direction.
Rabies Is Preventable
The good news is simple: rabies is preventable. Vaccinations are the most effective tool we have to stop the spread of this deadly disease. Currently, the USDA has approved rabies vaccines for six domestic species:
- Dogs 🐶
- Cats 🐱
- Ferrets 🐹
- Cows (Bovine) 🐄
- Horses (Equine) 🐴
- Sheep (Ovine) 🐑
If you share your life with any of these animals, it is crucial to keep them vaccinated on schedule. Rabies vaccination is not only a matter of protecting your pet—it protects your family, your neighbors, and the entire community.
Rabies Control in Texas
Texas law requires every county and municipality to designate a Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA). This individual manages the rabies control program in their jurisdiction, including animal bite investigations, quarantine procedures, and vaccination compliance. The role of the LRCA is central to keeping communities safe. Do you know who your LRCA is?
What You Can Do
Preventing rabies takes all of us working together. Here’s how you can help:
- ✅ Vaccinate your pets regularly against rabies
- ✅ Keep pets on a leash when outside and supervise them around wildlife
- ✅ Report bites and scratches from animals to local animal control or police and seek medical advice immediately
- ✅ Avoid feeding or touching wildlife such as bats, raccoons, and skunks
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccinations at SPCA of Brazoria County
At the SPCA of Brazoria County, we are committed to making rabies prevention accessible for everyone. That’s why our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic offers affordable rabies vaccinations for your pets. Protecting your animals doesn’t have to be expensive—visit http://www.spcabc.org to schedule your appointment today.
Working Together for a Rabies-Free Future
World Rabies Day is more than just a day on the calendar—it’s a call to action. By vaccinating pets, supporting local rabies control programs, and practicing safe habits around wildlife, we can stop the spread of rabies and create a safer future for both animals and people.
Join the SPCA of Brazoria County in celebrating World Rabies Day by taking steps to protect your pets and spread awareness in your community. Together, we can end rabies for good.
SPCA of Brazoria County 
Leave a comment