Rabies in Dogs and Cats: What Every Owner Should Know
Rabies is deadly but preventable. Learn how it spreads, what to do right away if an animal bites you, why vaccinating your pet matters, and why it's needed for pet travel.
2 min readUpdated 2026-09-29
If an animal bites or scratches you: wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then get medical care straight away. Don't wait for signs [1].
Rabies sounds frightening, and it is serious. It's also one of the most preventable diseases there is, and your pet's vaccine is a big part of that [1].
What is rabies?
- A virus that attacks the brain and nerves [1].
- It can pass from animals to people [1].
- Once signs appear, it is fatal in 100% of cases [1]. That's why acting early matters so much.
How does it spread?
Through bites, scratches, or saliva getting into the eyes, mouth or an open wound [1][2]. Worldwide, dogs cause up to 99% of human cases [1].
Can it be prevented?
Yes, on both sides:
- For pets: keep your dog's and cat's rabies vaccine up to date [2]. Vaccinating dogs is the most cost-effective way to protect people too [1].
- For people: if you're bitten or scratched, washing the wound and getting medical care right away is what protects you. Don't wait for symptoms [1][2].
Why does it matter for travel?
Rabies vaccination is part of Saudi Arabia's pet travel rules:
- Bringing a pet in: it needs a microchip or other ID, and a rabies vaccine that's still valid for at least 6 more months [3].
- Taking a pet out: the rabies vaccine must be valid, along with a health certificate from an accredited clinic [4].
Rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (the Anaam platform) and your destination before you travel [3][4].
Did you know? Rabies can hide for a long time. Signs usually appear after 2 to 3 months, but it can be anywhere from a week to a year [1].
FAQ
My cat never goes outside. Does it need the vaccine?
Ask your vet. Keeping pets' rabies vaccines up to date is the standard advice, and you'll need it to travel [2][3][4].
Is it only spread by bites?
No. Scratches and saliva in the eyes, mouth or a wound can spread it too [1][2].
What if my pet bites someone?
The person should wash the wound and get medical care right away [1]. Then call your vet.
Sources (4)
The official and scientific references behind this article.
- Rabies (fact sheet) — World Health Organization (WHO), https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies (accessed 2026-09-29)
- About Rabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about/index.html (accessed 2026-09-29)
- Pets Importing Procedures — Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (Saudi Arabia), https://www.mewa.gov.sa/en/Ministry/AboutMinistry/RulesAndConditions/RulesLibrary/Docs/Pet%20import%20mechanism.pdf (accessed 2026-09-28)
- Conditions for exporting pets — Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (Saudi Arabia), https://www.mewa.gov.sa/en/Ministry/AboutMinistry/RulesAndConditions/RulesLibrary/Docs/Conditions%20for%20exporting%20pets.pdf (accessed 2026-09-28)
Was this helpful?
Share it with someone who cares
Send it to a friend or family member who has a pet. It might help them too.
Ask a question
Have a question about “Rabies in Dogs and Cats: What Every Owner Should Know”? Ask privately. We’ll add vet-checked answers to selected questions in the FAQ.
Suggest an article
Is there a pet topic you'd like us to write about? Tell us, and we'll add the most-asked ones to the Encyclopedia.
- Every article uses only reliable, official sources (government bodies, veterinary schools and associations, published research), listed under the article.
- Health articles are checked by a licensed vet as our vet reviewers join. An article shows the vet's name only once a vet has checked it.
- Articles give general guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment. If your pet seems unwell, contact a vet.