What is rabies?

Rabies is a severe disease, but also one that can be prevented in pets and humans with proper vaccination, awareness, and prompt action following exposure.

The UK is free from terrestrial rabies (spread via infected land animals), but it pays to remain vigilant. Ensuring pets are vaccinated before travel, seeking immediate medical attention after bites or scratches, and keeping up to date with routine boosters are simple but effective ways to stay safe and protect yourself and your animals.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease caused by the Lyssavirus genus that attacks the nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches, and progresses from symptoms like fever and tingling at the wound site to paralysis, hydrophobia (fear of water), and ultimately death if it’s not treated promptly.

Is there rabies in the UK?

The UK mainland has been officially rabies-free in terrestrial animals (those that live on land) since 1922. However, certain bat species occasionally carry rabies-related viruses, such as European bat lyssaviruses, or EBLV. Cases of rabies in humans linked to bat bites are rare, but the government still advises avoiding handling bats and seeking medical attention if you’re bitten or scratched.

What countries have rabies?

Rabies remains endemic across much of the world, especially in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Even though the UK is free of canine rabies, travellers should assume that any country outside the UK (including many in Europe) may pose a risk, especially via dogs and wildlife.

What animals carry rabies?

Dogs are responsible for the vast majority (some sources suggest up to 99%) of human rabies cases across the world. Other mammals, including cats, foxes, bats, raccoons, skunks, wolves, and monkeys, can also carry and transmit rabies. In the UK, however, only bats are a concern, as terrestrial wildlife remains free from rabies.

How do animals get rabies?

The virus typically enters an animal via a bite, although it can also be transmitted via a scratch or saliva contacting broken skin or mucous membranes. It then travels through the nervous system to the brain, where it multiplies and spreads to the salivary glands, enabling transmission through saliva.

Is rabies contagious?

Yes, but only through direct contact with infected saliva via a bite, scratch, or open wound. Casual contact like petting or stroking animals doesn’t spread rabies. Sadly, once symptoms appear, rabies becomes virtually 100% fatal.

Rabies in dogs

How do dogs get rabies?

Dogs typically contract rabies by being bitten by an infected animal - most commonly other dogs in countries where rabies is endemic.

What are the symptoms of rabies in dogs?

Common symptoms of rabies in dogs include behavioural changes (aggression, irritability), excessive drooling, disorientation, paralysis, seizures, and difficulty swallowing. These progress rapidly, usually ending in death within days once symptoms begin.

Does my dog need a rabies vaccination?

In the UK, since the country is rabies-free, a rabies vaccination for dogs isn’t routine. However, it’s usually mandatory if you want to take your pet abroad. For example, to take a dog from the UK to the EU, you'll need a valid rabies vaccination, as well as an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and a microchip.

Other countries have their own rules about what’s required in terms of vaccinations and pet travel, but a rabies vaccination is a pretty standard requirement across the world.

How long do dog rabies vaccines last?

In the UK, vaccines are typically valid for one or three years from the date of vaccination, depending on the exact type that’s given. How long vaccines last and whether your dog needs boosters can depend on several factors, so it’s best to check with your vet to figure out the right schedule.

How much is a rabies vaccine for a dog?

The cost of getting a rabies vaccine at the vet can range from about £50 to £100 per dose, depending on the clinic and region. Some practices offer travel bundles including microchipping and health certification, though AHCs cost extra (often another £100–£200).

Rabies in cats

Can cats get rabies?

Yes. Just like dogs, cats can contract rabies through bites or scratches from infected animals. Again, the risk is practically zero in the UK but exists when travelling abroad.

How can you tell if a cat has rabies?

Initial signs that a cat has rabies may include fever, behavioural changes (either aggression or lethargy), loss of appetite, vomiting, and dilated pupils. As the disease progresses, cats may show excessive salivation, agitation, seizures, and paralysis. Unfortunately, death typically follows in under 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

How can you tell if a kitten has rabies?

Symptoms of rabies in kittens are similar to those in adult cats. They may be lethargic (reluctant to move), have a poor appetite, and show behavioural changes. Since infants are more fragile than adult cats, the timeline from first symptoms to death can be even faster. Diagnosis in live animals can be challenging, and typically confirmation only occurs after an animal has died by analysing things like their brain tissue.

Can you get rabies from a cat scratch?

Yes, if saliva from an infected cat enters a scratch or broken skin this can cause rabies. While rare, any scratch or bite from an infected animal requires immediate medical attention.

Does my cat need a rabies vaccination?

As with dogs, cats don’t normally need rabies jabs, except if you’re travelling abroad with them. Typically, vaccinations, microchips, and certificates are compulsory for travel.

How long does a cat’s rabies vaccine last?

Cat vaccines follow similar rules to rabies vaccinations in dogs. They can last up to three years in the UK, but pets may need annual boosters for travel. Again, it’s best to consult with your vet on the exact requirements.

What to do if your pet is bitten abroad

Vaccinated pets can still be exposed to rabies and need monitoring if they’re bitten. If you're travelling and your pet is bitten or attacked by another animal, you should:

·       Seek immediate veterinary care, even if the wound seems small

·       Boosters may be recommended, even if your pet is vaccinated

·       In high-risk countries, your pet may need to be quarantined

Advice for travellers while abroad

If you’re vaccinated against rabies, take proof with you when travelling.

Whie abroad, the UK government advises avoiding contact with all animals, including wild animals, pets, and even those in temples, zoos, or sanctuaries, as they may carry rabies. Don’t touch, feed, or attract animals by dropping litter or offering food. Rabid animals might act unusually tame or show no signs at all.

Children are especially at risk, so make sure they understand not to approach animals and tell you immediately if they’re bitten, scratched, or licked.

If you’re bitten or scratched

If you’re bitten or scratched in a country where rabies is a risk, wash the area well with soap and water right away and seek local medical help. Don’t wait until you’re back in the UK. Even if you’ve had the vaccine, you may still need further treatment.

Start post-exposure care abroad if advised, and contact your GP when you return, even if treatment has already begun. Bring any records of treatment with you.

It's recommended to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has been in contact with a potentially infected animal and check that you have overseas travel cover for your pet if you are planning to travel abroad with them