Rio de Janeiro launches free antirrabic vaccination campaign for dogs and cats

The Rio de Janeiro municipal government began its annual antirrabic vaccination campaign on Saturday, 8 August 2026. The free program targets dogs and cats of all sizes and weights, with 125 vaccination posts set up in neighborhoods such as Centro, Zona Sul, Ilha do Governador and Grande Tijuca. The campaign runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is organized by the Secretaria Municipal de Proteção e Defesa dos Animais, led by Secretary Jeniffer Coelho Ramos.

The city aims to increase the number of immunised animals by 20 % compared with 2025, when 378 825 pets were vaccinated. The last recorded case of canine rabies in Rio was in 1995; a stray case was reported in neighboring Belford Roxo in 2021. Eligible animals must be older than three months and not gestating or ill. Owners must bring a responsible adult, keep dogs on a leash (with muzzle if aggressive) and transport cats in carriers. The campaign will be carried out in five stages, with additional dates and locations to be announced.

A parallel house‑to‑house effort in the Tijuca district also offers free vaccination on 6–7 August at the Clube Orfeão Portugal, reinforcing the city‑wide push to protect both animal and public health.