The GARC Education Platform has free online courses that will support your rabies prevention efforts. They can be studied online or downloaded to study offline. However, to receive the course certificate, the final assessment must be completed online.
The Rabies Educator Certificate (REC)
The REC course is open to everyone, but aimed specifically at people who work in at-risk communities and can address community education on rabies. These people may be health/veterinary/community workers, or key people within the communities in a position to provide others with accurate, life- saving information about rabies prevention.
The REC modules include:
- What is rabies and how do people and animals get the disease
- How to avoid dog bites and prevent rabies
- Caring for animals
- Understanding the role of a community educator in preventing dog bites and rabies
- Communicating with people
This course is currently available in English, French and Spanish.
The Animal Handler and Vaccinator Education Certificate (AHVEC)
The AHVEC course builds on the REC and is an introduction to effective and humane dog handling and vaccination. Participants need to complete the Rabies Educator Certificate before accessing this course.
The AHVEC covers:
- The role of the animal handler and vaccinator
- Understanding animal behaviour
- Effective ways to approach dogs
- Equipment needed to catch and handle dogs
- Effective vaccine administration techniques.
The AHVEC course should be followed by physical training under the guided supervision of a professional and is also suitable for trained professionals who wish to refresh their knowledge and remain up-to-date regarding new techniques and tools on dog handling and vaccination.
This course is currently available in English.