Bat found in Barrie home tests positive for rabies prompting reminder from vet clinic

Bat tests positive for rabies in Barrie, Ont.

A Barrie-area veterinary clinic is reminding pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations up to date after a bat found inside a local home tested positive for the deadly virus.

Allandale Veterinary Hospital posted to social media about the incident on Monday, noting a family who discovered a bat inside their house. The bat was later tested and confirmed to have rabies.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, and we as staff took all precautions—but it’s a powerful reminder of why ALL pets need rabies vaccinations, even if they never go outside," the post stated.

The clinic says rabies vaccinations are critical for all pets, even those that live strictly indoors. While some owners assume indoor pets are not at risk, Allandale Veterinary Hospital notes bats and other wildlife can enter homes through chimneys, attics, vents, or small structural openings.

Allandale Veterinary Hospital says keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines helps protect not only the animal, but also the people living in the household and the wider community. Vaccinated pets reduce the risk of exposure if contact with infected wildlife occurs, and they also help limit the spread of the virus.

“If you find a bat in your home, don’t touch it—keep people and pets away and contact animal control or your local health department," the animal clinic added.