Animal bite or scratch? Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes — then follow these steps
If an animal just bit or scratched you, wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Then get medical help as soon as possible. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Based on public guidance from the CDC and WHO
What to do in the next 10 minutes
Follow these steps in order. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- 1Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Any soap works — this is the single most important step.
- 2Apply antiseptic and cover loosely. Use povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine if you have it. Do not stitch or close the wound yourself.
- 3Get medical care the same day. Go to an ER, urgent care, or doctor. They decide if you need rabies PEP. Call 911 for severe bleeding or a bite to the face or neck.
How long should you wash a rabies wound?
Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This is the first and most important step recommended by both the CDC and WHO after any animal bite or scratch that may have involved rabies exposure. Then get to an emergency room or urgent-care clinic as quickly as possible.
Step 1 — Wash the Wound Immediately
This is the single most important thing you can do right now.
- Hold the wound under running water and scrub with soap for at least 15 minutes.
- Any soap works — bar soap, hand soap, dish soap. Use what you have.
- Thorough washing can significantly reduce the amount of virus at the wound site.
After Washing
- If you have an antiseptic (povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine), apply it to the wound.
- Cover the wound loosely with a clean bandage.
- Do not close or stitch the wound yourself.
Step 2 — Get Medical Help As Soon As Possible
Do not wait for symptoms. Once rabies symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
- Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or doctor the same day if possible.
- Tell them what animal bit or scratched you, when it happened, and where on your body.
- They will assess whether you need rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — a series of shots that can prevent rabies.
Not sure where to go? Find a clinic near you or read our after-a-bite step-by-step guide. For long-term protection, see the rabies prevention guide and WHO & CDC resources.
When This May Be More Urgent
All animal bites and scratches that break the skin deserve attention. But some situations call for especially fast action. Seek emergency medical care right away if any of these apply:
Deep or severe wound
Heavy bleeding, tissue damage, or a wound that won’t stop bleeding.
Bite to the face, neck, or hands
These areas are closer to the brain and nerves. Faster medical assessment may be needed.
Bat contact — even without a visible bite
Bat teeth are tiny. You may have been bitten without knowing. Any bat exposure warrants immediate medical advice.
Unknown or stray animal
If you cannot identify the animal or find its owner, assume the risk may be higher.
Animal acting strangely
Unprovoked aggression, stumbling, excessive drooling, or unusual tameness in a wild animal.
Cannot observe or find the animal
If the animal ran away or cannot be confined for observation, do not delay care.
What Counts as a Possible Rabies Exposure
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. You may have been exposed if:
- An animal bit you — teeth broke the skin, even slightly.
- An animal scratched you and broke the skin — claws can carry saliva.
- Animal saliva contacted an open wound or mucous membrane — for example, eyes, mouth, or nose.
Not sure if your situation counts? Use our rabies risk assessment tool for guidance.
When Rabies PEP (Post-Exposure Shots) May Be Needed
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of shots that can prevent rabies after a possible exposure. It is highly effective when started promptly.
Whether you need PEP depends on several factors — the type of animal, the nature of the exposure, whether the animal can be observed, and the level of rabies risk in your area. This is a decision made by a doctor or public health authority, not something you need to figure out on your own.
What matters most is acting early. The sooner PEP is started after exposure, the better it works. If there is any doubt about the risk, starting PEP early is the safer choice — it can always be stopped if testing or observation shows the risk was low.
Key points to remember:
- PEP is most effective when started as soon as possible — ideally the same day.
- There is no strict deadline — even after several days, PEP may still help if symptoms haven't appeared.
- Do not wait for symptoms. Once symptoms start, rabies is nearly always fatal.
Learn more about PEP, the vaccine schedule, and what to expect on our rabies PEP and treatment page.
Where to Go After an Animal Bite
Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
Go to an ER for severe wounds, heavy bleeding, bites to the face or neck, bat exposures, or if you are in a remote area with limited options. Urgent care can often handle less severe bites and start the PEP referral process. When in doubt, choose the ER — speed matters.
Find a Clinic Near You
Use our clinic finder to locate emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, and rabies treatment centers in your area.
Find a Clinic Near YouWhat to Bring
- ID and insurance card (if available)
- Details about the animal — species, size, behavior, vaccination status if known
- When and where the bite or scratch happened
- Owner's contact information (if the animal has an owner)
- Photos of the wound and the animal (if you were able to take any safely)
Traveling abroad? Read our rabies guide for travelers for country-specific help.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
Take one of these next steps to figure out your risk and get the right care.
Medical Information Notice
This page provides general first-aid information based on publicly available guidance from the CDC and the WHO. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical care from a qualified healthcare provider.