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Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Rabies: How to prevent exposure for people and pets

  • katiebaker9
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read
A little brown bat laying on green moss.

Bats are most active during warm summer months. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can spread rabies. 


Bats are the only animal currently known to carry rabies in Washington state. Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of people and animals.


Rabies infection almost always causes death. However, people who are exposed to rabies can prevent infection by getting prompt medical treatment. 


Bats can spread rabies by biting, scratching, or licking a person or animal. Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated. 


Preventing exposure to rabies


  • Keep bats out of your home. Add screens to windows and doors and cover openings that bats could crawl through.  


  • Avoid touching bats. Teach children to never touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school, or with a pet. Never pick up a bat with bare hands, even if it appears sick or injured.  


  • Watch wildlife from a safe distance. Do not attempt to feed or touch wild animals.


  • Vaccinate your pets. All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington state must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. 


What to do if you have had contact with a bat


If you or someone in your household has had contact with a bat:


  1. Look all over your body for bites or scratches. Bats have very small teeth, so the bites may not be immediately visible.


  2. Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area(s) immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.


  3. If possible, try to safely capture the bat for rabies testing. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat.


  4. Contact your healthcare provider or Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235.  


If you think your pet had contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian.


Download the fact sheet (in English and Espanol)! Image links to PDF.

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