In 2025, over 100 rabies incidents in animals were documented in Israel, and since the beginning of 2026, over 60 incidents have already been diagnosed. The cases include dogs, jackals, wild animals, livestock, and other animals, and they were discovered in various areas across the country. The numbers are continuously updated in the Ministry of Agriculture database.

These data are no reason to panic. They are, however, a reason to pause for two minutes, check that your pet's basic protections are up to date, and ensure that all household members know how to act in case of exposure.

At Peteat, we believe that good care begins before a problem appears: correct information, a structured routine, and a quick response when something goes wrong.

First and foremost: don't try to identify rabies yourself

An animal sick with rabies will not always appear "mad" or aggressive. Sometimes the change in behavior will be more moderate, and it's not possible to determine if an animal is infected by appearance alone.

The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Exposure can occur as a result of a bite, scratch, or contact of saliva with an open wound or a mucous area such as the eyes and mouth. After the onset of disease symptoms, rabies is almost always considered fatal—but preventive treatment given in time can stop its development.

Our goal as pet owners is not to diagnose the animal in front of us. The goal is to minimize exposure and act quickly when there is doubt.

7 checks worth doing today

1. Check when the dog received its rabies vaccination

Open the vaccination booklet, the notice from the veterinarian, or the dog's license and check the date of the last vaccination.

According to updated rules, a dog that has received at least two rabies vaccinations in its lifetime is generally required to be vaccinated once every two years. Dogs that have not been previously vaccinated require a different vaccination process, which includes an additional vaccination after the first one.

Unsure of the status? Don't guess. Call the veterinary clinic and ask them to check the record.

2. Make sure the dog's license is valid

Even when the rabies vaccine is given every two years, there is still a mandatory annual renewal of the dog ownership license.

Vaccination and license are not the same thing. Check that both are in order and that you have not relied only on the date of the last vaccination.

3. Check that the microchip details are updated

An old phone number or an outdated address can make it difficult to locate the owner if the dog gets lost, is found after contact with another animal, or is involved in a biting incident.

Ensure that the phone number, owner's name, and address in the database match your current details.

4. Adjust walks to the situation

There's no need to stop walking, but it's important to adhere to a few simple rules:

Keep the dog on a leash, especially near open areas. Do not allow it to approach carcasses, stray animals, or wild animals. During evening and night hours, maintain heightened vigilance in areas where jackals or other wild animals are sighted.

Even a friendly and well-behaved dog can run towards a strange animal before you realize what's happening.

5. Explain to children that every scratch must be reported

Children may hide a bite or scratch for fear of getting into trouble, or because the injury seems minor to them.

The message should be simple:

If an animal has bitten, scratched, or licked a wound - report it immediately to an adult. Do not wait or hide it.

Reporting is important even when it involves a puppy, a cat, or an animal that appears friendly.

6. Adopt animals through an organized channel

Adopting and rescuing animals are important acts, but when an animal's history is unknown, the process must be carried out in a controlled manner.

Before bringing a dog or cat found on the street into your home, especially an animal that came from another region in the country or from outside Israel, consult with a veterinarian or the local veterinary service. An organized process allows for examination, observation, vaccination, and documentation.

7. Keep relevant emergency numbers handy

Save the details of the following in your phone:

Your treating veterinarian, the municipal call center, the local veterinary service, and the district health bureau.

In a real emergency, you don't want to start looking for numbers while you're stressed.

Encountered an animal behaving abnormally?

An animal that approaches humans without fear, has difficulty walking, appears confused, is unusually aggressive, or wanders at uncharacteristic times and places—warrants caution and reporting.

Do not try to catch it, pet it, or remove it with your hands. Bring children and pets to a protected place, keep your distance, and report to the municipal call center or local veterinary service.

You can photograph from a distance only when it is safe to do so, and record the exact time and location. Do not chase the animal to get a picture.

What to do immediately after a bite or scratch?

In case a person is bitten or scratched by an animal:

1. 
   Immediately wash the area with running water and soap for about 15 minutes.
   
2. 
   Disinfect the area, if possible, using 70% alcohol or an appropriate disinfectant.
   
3. 
   Contact the Health Bureau as soon as possible for risk assessment and instructions.
   
4. 
   When the Health Bureau is closed, go to the emergency room in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and the severity of the injury.
   
5. 
   Record the details of the animal, owner, location, and time—without endangering yourself by trying to catch it.
   

Instructions should be sought even when the dog is known and even if you are told it is vaccinated. The decision on whether preventive treatment is needed is made by health authorities, not by the animal, the injured party, or the facility where it is treated.

And what to do if your pet is bitten?

If your dog or cat has been bitten, scratched, or came into contact with an animal suspected of having rabies:

Remove them from humans and other animals, avoid direct contact with saliva or the injury area, and immediately call your veterinarian and the local veterinary service.

Do not wait for signs to appear and do not rely on your pet being vaccinated. The treatment method, the need for a booster vaccination, and the observation period are determined according to the circumstances of the incident and the animal's vaccination status.

Are cats also at risk?

Yes. Rabies is not a disease of dogs only.

Cats and other animals can also be exposed to the virus. The risk varies depending on the area of residence, whether the cat goes outdoors, and its potential contact with wild animals or strays.

Cat owners whose cats go outdoors, live near an open area, or are in an area where rabies incidents have been reported should consult with their veterinarian about appropriate protection.

Four two-minute checks

Stop now and check:

Is your dog's vaccination valid?

Has the annual license been renewed?

Is the phone number associated with the microchip updated?

Does everyone in the household know what to do in case of a bite or scratch?

If any of the answers are unclear, that's what you should sort out today.

The bottom line

The way to deal with rabies is not to live in fear—but to build a simple routine of protection.

Timely vaccinations, updated registration, responsible walks, and a quick response in case of exposure can make a significant difference. Do not try to diagnose yourself, and do not wait to see if signs appear.

If you have any doubts regarding your pet's health, contact a veterinarian. In case of a bite, scratch, or human exposure to animal saliva, follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information and is not a substitute for medical or veterinary advice. Guidelines may vary depending on the area, type of exposure, and vaccination status. In case of exposure, immediately contact health authorities and authorized veterinary services.

Sources:

• 
  Ministry of Health - Information on rabies and guidelines after a bite or scratch.
  
• 
  Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security - Database of rabies incidents in Israel.
  
• 
  Ministry of Agriculture - Vaccinations and dog ownership license.
  
• 
  Globes - The article that highlighted the increase in rabies cases.