Ghana to roll out mandatory nationwide pet vaccination in 2026

The National Veterinary Services Department has announced that all  pets in Ghana will undergo mandatory vaccination beginning January 2026. According to the Service, vaccinated pets will be issued official vaccination cards to ensure compliance and proper monitoring. The initiative forms part of efforts to curb rabies-related deaths and improve pet health management across the country.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Samuel Cudjoe, explained that the exercise is not only crucial for public health but will also contribute to better management of the country’s pet population.

“From January 2026, a national pet vaccination card will be issued for every vaccinated dog or cat at private veterinary service centres. These measures will make rabies vaccination mandatory nationwide and ensure proper tracking, harmonised reporting, and reliable national data generation,” he said.

The Department believes the exercise will significantly reduce rabies infections, which remain a major public health concern, while also providing an accurate database of pets in Ghana.

Source: Citinews.com