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World Rabies Day: Raising Awareness About Pet Vaccinations

Each year on September 28th, the global community comes together to mark World Rabies Day, an important event that aims to raise awareness about the devastating effects of rabies and the critical importance of preventing its spread. In Ukraine, the U-Hearts Foundation plays a crucial role in addressing the issue through its support of animal shelters, rabies prevention initiatives, and widespread vaccination campaigns.

What is World Rabies Day And Rabies Vaccination For Pets?

World Rabies Day is observed annually to emphasize the importance of rabies prevention, particularly through rabies vaccination for pets. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects both animals and humans, most often transmitted through bites from infected animals. Despite being 100% preventable with timely pet vaccinations, rabies still causes the death of tens of thousands of people each year, most of whom are children.

Rabies in Ukraine: The Current Situation

According to the Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ukraine records an average of 56,000–58,000 visits to doctors each year due to animal bites. Of these, about 22,000 cases require vaccination.

The ongoing war has also contributed to an increase in the number of stray animals—dogs and cats—which in turn raises the risk of rabies infection. There are at least 140,000 homeless animals in Ukraine, reported Oksana Koshak, co-founder of the World Organization for Stray Animals in Ukraine.

According to the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, in the first quarter of 2023, 190 rabies outbreaks among animals were recorded, while in 2024, this number already rose to 369 in the first quarter. Last year, rabies cases in animals were confirmed in 1,000 settlements across Ukraine. Outbreaks have been recorded in all regions, including frontline areas, although it’s more difficult to track cases there.

Through its various initiatives, the U-Hearts Foundation is addressing the issue head-on. One of its primary goals is to help pet shelters by providing resources for vaccinations and medical care. The foundation has partnered with local veterinary clinics and shelter organizations to perform pet vaccinations, preventing the spread of rabies both in urban and rural areas. This ongoing collaboration is vital for reducing rabies cases and protecting both animals and humans.

U-Hearts Foundation’s Role in Rabies Prevention

The U-Hearts Foundation has taken significant strides in combating rabies and promoting responsible pet ownership. Through its campaigns, the foundation provides essential resources to help pet shelters and stray animal populations. In 2024, the foundation’s vaccination initiative resulted in the vaccination of 13 994 pets across Ukraine. This achievement plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of rabies among stray animals, which are the primary carriers of the virus in the country.

1. Vaccination Campaigns

– The success of these campaigns has resulted in over 13,000 stray dogs and cats receiving rabies vaccination for pets, significantly reducing the potential for disease transmission.

2. Educational Outreach

– Alongside vaccination efforts, the foundation runs educational programs that inform pet owners and the general public about the importance of regular pet vaccinations. Owners are not only protecting their animals but also their communities from the dangers of rabies.

3. Supporting Pet Shelters

– The foundation works closely to help pet shelters, ensuring they have the resources needed to house, care for, and vaccinate stray animals. By providing financial assistance and access to veterinary care, the U-Hearts Foundation ensures that shelters can continue their important work of rescuing and rehabilitating animals.

The Importance of Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinating pets against rabies is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the disease. Rabies vaccination for pets protects not only the animals themselves but also the humans who may come into contact with them. It’s particularly important in countries like Ukraine, where stray animals are common, and the risk of rabies transmission is higher.

Key benefits of regular pet vaccinations include:

– Preventing Disease Spread

By vaccinating pets, the likelihood of rabies spreading to other animals or humans is drastically reduced.

– Protecting Public Health

Vaccinated pets pose no risk to humans, which is essential in preventing rabies outbreaks.

– Ensuring Animal Welfare

Vaccinated animals are less likely to suffer from rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

With the help of organizations like the U-Hearts Foundation, more pets and strays in Ukraine are receiving the rabies vaccination for pets, helping to reduce the disease’s prevalence across the country.

How You Can Help

While the U-Hearts Foundation has made great strides in rabies prevention, there is still much work to be done. There are several ways the public can get involved to help stray dogs and cats and reduce the threat of rabies in Ukraine.

1. Donate

Every contribution helps provide critical resources for pet vaccinations and supports shelters that care for stray animals. Donations ensure that more pets can receive the life-saving vaccines they need.

2. Adopt, Don’t Shop

By adopting from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders, individuals can reduce the stray animal population and ensure that more animals receive rabies vaccination for pets and other necessary medical care.

3. Volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role in helping shelters and vaccination campaigns run smoothly. Whether by assisting with administrative tasks, caring for animals, or helping with outreach, volunteers make a direct impact in helping pet shelters succeed.

Help Stray Dogs and Cats With Our Team

On World Rabies Day, it is crucial to remember that rabies is 100% preventable with timely vaccinations. In Ukraine, the U-Hearts Foundation is working tirelessly to help stray dogs and cats by providing critical vaccinations, supporting shelters, and educating the public. Together, we can achieve a rabies-free future for Ukraine’s pets and communities.

Posted by:

Veterinarian. Director of the Operations Department of the NGO Element of Life.

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