Rabies Information
As of October 2026, Downey Veterinary Hospital has updated its rabies protocols in response to recent rabies exposures in Southern California (SoCal).
The safety of our veterinary team, our clients, and our community is our top priority. These updated protocols are intended to help protect everyone while ensuring we follow appropriate precautions when managing potential rabies exposures.
Rabies Information for Pet Owners
Protecting Your Pet from Rabies
Rabies vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect your pet. Dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated according to applicable state and local laws and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
- Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
- Supervise pets outdoors and avoid allowing them to interact with unfamiliar animals.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal.
Signs of Rabies in Animals
Signs of rabies can vary, and an infected animal may not display every symptom. Possible warning signs include:
- Unusual or aggressive behavior
- Lethargy or weakness
- Fever or vomiting
- Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
- Paralysis or seizures
- Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
- Unusual vocalization or other significant behavior changes
Rabies can progress quickly. If you suspect an animal may have rabies, do not attempt to handle it. Keep people and pets away and contact local animal control or public health officials.
What to Do If Your Pet Is Exposed to Rabies
If your pet is bitten by a wild animal or another animal suspected of carrying rabies, take the situation seriously, even if your pet appears healthy.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. Explain what happened and provide details about the animal involved and your pet’s rabies vaccination history.
- Avoid handling the injured area or the other animal without guidance. Do not attempt to capture or handle a potentially rabid animal yourself.
- Contact local public health or animal control authorities as directed. They can help assess the exposure and determine the appropriate next steps.
- Follow all vaccination, observation, or quarantine instructions. Recommendations depend on your pet’s vaccination status, the type of exposure, and local regulations.
If Your Pet Is Currently Vaccinated
Pets with current rabies vaccinations that are exposed to rabies generally need an immediate booster vaccination, owner supervision, and monitoring for signs of rabies for 45 days. Your veterinarian and local public health officials can provide instructions specific to your pet.
If Your Pet’s Vaccination Is Overdue
If your pet has been vaccinated previously but is overdue for a booster, public health and animal health officials will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
If Your Pet Has Never Been Vaccinated
Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies may face strict quarantine requirements or other serious measures. The CDC guidance generally recommends euthanasia for unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets following a confirmed rabies exposure. If an owner declines, strict quarantine and immediate vaccination may be required under applicable guidance and regulations.
Contact your veterinarian and local public health officials immediately to discuss the options and requirements for your pet.
What If Your Pet Bites Someone?
If your dog, cat, or ferret bites or scratches a person, contact your veterinarian and follow local public health instructions. Even vaccinated pets may need to be observed for 10 days following the incident.
Do not vaccinate your pet during this observation period unless directed by the appropriate authorities. If your pet develops signs of illness, notify public health officials immediately.