Rabies in South Africa: What Every Pet Owner Must Know

Rabies is one of the few diseases that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear — in animals and people. It's still present in parts of South Africa, particularly in some rural and coastal areas, which is why vaccinating your pet isn't just responsible, it's the law.

How rabies spreads

Rabies is passed on through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite. Dogs are the most common source of human rabies, which is exactly why keeping the dog population vaccinated protects everyone.

The law

In South Africa, rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is compulsory. Puppies and kittens receive their first rabies shot as part of their vaccination course, a booster a year later, and then regular boosters for life. Keep your vaccination certificate safe — you may need it for travel, boarding or if your pet is ever involved in a bite incident.

Protecting your family

• Keep every dog and cat in your home up to date on rabies shots.
• Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and teach children never to approach them.
• If any person is bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes and seek medical care immediately — rabies is preventable straight after exposure, but not once symptoms start.

A community effort

Rabies is beaten through widespread vaccination. By keeping your own pets protected — and supporting community vaccination drives where you can — you're helping protect your neighbourhood too.