LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – World Rabies Day is next Monday, September 28, 2026. The day is coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and endorsed by the World Health Organization. The global focus makes sense, because while the number of people killed by rabies in the U.S. every year is well below 10, the disease continues to kill an estimated 60,000-70,000 people annually worldwide.
But our pets being exposed to the disease is still a very real threat, and it seemed like we had a particularly, uh, rabies-y summer, didn’t it? We just had another alert in Marion County a couple of days ago.
To help raise awareness of the importance of prevention through protection, Lake County is hosting a few different events before, during and after World Rabies Day to keep the community apprised of the best ways to shield our furry family friends from exposure.
The first, “People, Pets and Wildlife,” will be held this Saturday, Sept. 26. This one, a “family-friendly event featuring community partners, activities, and information about protecting people, pets, and wildlife from rabies.” It kicks off at 10 a.m. and, what’s more, those who attend will receive a free voucher for a rabies vaccination and microchipping.
They can redeem that voucher at LCAS’s Protect and Connect Clinic on Sept. 28, which starts at 4:30 p.m. Those without vouchers can also get the deal done for $5, and the shelter highly recommends that everybody interested sign up in advance here.
Finally, LCAS will host a free “Rabies 101” community cat class on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.
All three events will be held at the Lake County Animal Shelter, 12280 County Road 448, Tavares.