COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costa Mesa veterinarian Dr. Bruce Bauersfeld announced that Dover Shores Pet Care Center will be providing free rabies vaccinations on World Rabies Day. The annual event, held on September 28, brings awareness to the importance of rabies prevention. Vaccination is an easy and affordable way to prevent the spread of rabies, said the veterinarian. According to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, more than 55,000 people die every year from rabies, despite the fact that this disease is entirely preventable in humans. Dr. Bauersfeld hopes that by offering free vaccinations, pet owners will do their part to prevent rabies.
Dover Shores Pet Care Center will be participating in World Rabies Day on September 28 by offering free vaccinations to all pets who are not currently up to date on their rabies shots. The animal hospital in Costa Mesa is encouraging pet owners to bring their pets by the clinic for a free immunization.
"Rabies is a deadly yet entirely preventable disease," said Dr. Bauersfeld. "Here in California, rabies vaccination is required by law. However, many pet owners do not realize that regular booster shots are essential to maintaining up-to-date immunizations. World Rabies Day is an important event that brings awareness to rabies prevention."
Dr. Bauersfeld emphasized that all pets, including indoor cats, should be vaccinated regularly against rabies.
"All too often, there is a tragic case where a rabid animal enters a house or is found in the yard and attacks an indoor pet," said Dr. Bauersfeld. "Sadly, if that pet is not up to date on rabies vaccination and bites a human, then the pet may need to be euthanized or quarantined for 6 months. This tragic outcome could easily have been avoided had the pet been up to date on rabies vaccination. All pets need rabies protection."
Dr. Bauersfeld says that World Rabies Day is also an important opportunity to remind pet owners that rabies vaccination not only save the lives of pets, but also the lives of humans.
"Rabies is 100% preventable in humans," said Dr. Bauersfeld. "Globally, the biggest cause of rabies death in humans is from unvaccinated dogs. Children in particular are at risk, as they are more likely to come into contact with a dog and are also more likely to be bitten multiple times."
World Rabies Day is an awareness event organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control. Since the first event in 2007, World Rabies Day events have helped to vaccinate more than 7.7 million dogs.
"We are proud to do our part by offering free rabies vaccination on September 28," said Dr. Bauersfeld.
Dover Shores Pet Care Center is a full-service animal hospital providing core vaccinations, wellness care, spay/neuter operations and pet surgery. The animal vet hospital also provides pet grooming, dog boarding, skin care treatments and dental treatments.
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