World Rabies Day

3 min read

Jun 12, 2023

A short-haired cat looks warily at a hand holding a syringe.

According to the CDC, World Rabies Day is recognized on September 28th and is a global health observance day. The goal of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness regarding rabies and bring prevention efforts forth worldwide.

Rabies is a preventable disease, but unfortunately, it is not always taken seriously in most cases until it’s too late. World Rabies Day provides us with the opportunity to educate and encourage vaccination to prevent the condition.

As a pet parent, it is important to always keep your pet’s health and safety in mind. Keep reading as we discuss the importance of vaccinating your pets and some important factors to watch for and consider when keeping your pets safe from rabies.

Visit Your Veterinarian Regularly

Visiting your veterinarian regularly to remain up to date on vaccinations for your cat and dog is critical. Even with the vaccination, keeping an eye on your pets can help reduce the risk of rabies.

Additionally, spaying and neutering your pet can help to reduce the number of animals who are not cared for properly or vaccinated as they should be.

Wildlife is More Susceptible

We know wildlife is more susceptible to rabies, but contact with wildlife is always a possibility and a likelihood for both pets and humans. Humans and pets can both be affected by this disease if not handled with care and safety.

When out and about with your pet, it is important to always pay attention to your surroundings and to always watch your pet as you never know what your furry friend may get into.

Don’t Be Fooled

Rabies can impact all pets lives – even those that spend their time indoors. Your pet could easily contract rabies without vaccination if she or her meets any rabid animal. There are several suggestions the American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes including:

Vaccinate your dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, and other livestock against rabies.
Don’t allow your pet to roam free. Keep a close eye to ensure his or her safety.
Bat-proof your home.
Don’t leave food or garbage outside as it attracts wild animals to your home.
Don’t keep wild animals as pets.
Don’t attempt to touch a wild animal.

Get Vaccinated Against Rabies

If you are reading this and you have a pet that is not yet vaccinated against rabies, consider calling your vet to schedule an appointment.

Protect your Pets

Coverage in 3 Easy Steps

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.