What should you know about pet rabies vaccine?

Rabies is a serious infection that can spread through saliva from an infected mammal, usually through a bite. Vaccinating a dog, cat or other eligible pet reduces its risk and helps clarify the animal's protection history if an incident occurs.

A vaccination record is useful, but it cannot determine your treatment alone. Clinicians consider the animal, the wound, local rabies risk and whether the animal can be observed safely.

Wash the wound straight away with plenty of soap and running water, then seek medical care urgently. Share the pet's vaccination record, the time and place of the incident, and whether the animal is available for professional observation. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

A clinician may recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which can include wound care, vaccine and other treatment depending on the exposure. Keep the animal away from further contact and follow local veterinary instructions.

Get urgent assessment after any bite that breaks the skin, a scratch contaminated with saliva, or saliva contacting the eyes, mouth or broken skin. Seek emergency help for uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial wounds, breathing difficulty or signs of shock. Early assessment matters even when the pet appears well.

Ask whether the exposure needs post-exposure prophylaxis, what wound care is required, how the pet's record changes the plan, and which follow-up appointments or doses are needed.