Brazilian municipalities expand free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats

Municipal health authorities in several Brazilian cities are intensifying free vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats to prevent rabies. In Jacareacanga (PA), the municipal health secretary led a training session with the state health agency to strengthen rabies and leishmaniasis surveillance. The city of Natal announced fixed-site and door‑to‑door anti‑rabies vaccinations for pets on July 11, covering all five sanitary districts. Rio Branco's public health department is offering free rabies shots at Arasuper supermarkets from late June through November. Jequié (BA) will begin its 2026 campaign on July 13, providing mobile and health‑center services across urban and rural neighborhoods, with a “Day D” mass‑vaccination event on July 25. Porto Alegre also reported an intensified campaign, while Petrópolis introduced a broader free‑vaccination program (V10 for dogs, V3 for cats) on July 11. Additionally, the Public Veterinary Hospital in Natal has expanded free veterinary services, reporting a significant rise in consultations, surgeries, and diagnostic exams compared to the previous year. Together, these initiatives aim to increase pet immunization coverage, reduce rabies transmission risk to humans, and improve overall animal health services.