Animal Bite or Scratch: 3 Immediate Rabies Steps
After a bite, scratch, bat contact, or saliva exposure, wash and flush affected skin with soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible. Then contact a healthcare professional or public-health authority promptly for an exposure assessment. Do not wait for symptoms. For severe bleeding or another immediate threat to life, use your local emergency number.
Based on public guidance from the CDC and WHO
CDC/WHO-aligned wound-washing steps
- Wash and flush the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible. Use soap and water when available and keep flushing gently.
- Apply an antiseptic — povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine — then cover the wound loosely. Do not stitch or close it yourself.
- Contact a clinician or public-health authority promptly. They can assess whether rabies PEP is indicated. Do not wait for symptoms to seek advice.
Source: CDC and WHO rabies wound-care guidance.
15-Minute Wound Wash Timer
Keep washing with soap and running water until the timer reaches zero.
What to do now
Follow these steps in order. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- 1Wash and flush the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible. Use soap and water when available and keep flushing gently.
- 2Apply antiseptic and cover loosely. Use povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine if you have it. Do not stitch or close the wound yourself.
- 3Contact a clinician or public-health authority promptly. They decide whether rabies PEP is indicated. Call emergency services for severe bleeding, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or another immediate threat to life.
How long should you wash a rabies wound?
Wash and flush the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes when possible. WHO recommends this immediate wound-care step after a possible rabies exposure. Then contact a clinician or public-health authority for an exposure assessment.
Step 1 — Wash the Wound Immediately
Begin this first-aid step now.
- Hold the wound under running water and gently wash and flush it with soap for about 15 minutes.
- Any soap works — bar soap, hand soap, dish soap. Use what you have.
- Keep washing and flushing gently for about 15 minutes when possible.
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.
- Contact a clinician or public-health authority promptly after washing.
- Tell them what animal bit or scratched you, when it happened, and where on your body.
- They will assess whether rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated and explain the appropriate plan.
Not sure where to go? Read emergency steps 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
Direct bat contact, or situations where a bite or scratch cannot reliably be ruled out, should be discussed promptly with a clinician or public-health authority.
Unknown or stray animal
Whether the animal can be located, observed, or tested is part of a professional exposure assessment.
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 exposure checklist for guidance.
When Rabies PEP (Post-Exposure Shots) May Be Needed
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is wound care, HRIG when indicated, and a vaccine series for eligible people. Appropriate PEP before symptoms is highly effective.
Whether PEP may be indicated depends on several factors — the type of animal, the nature of the exposure, whether the animal can be observed, and local rabies activity. This requires assessment by a doctor or public-health authority, not a decision you should make on your own.
Contact a clinician or public-health authority promptly. They should determine whether PEP is indicated and whether observation or testing of the animal changes an existing plan.
Key points to remember:
- Seek a professional exposure assessment promptly.
- 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
Use emergency care for uncontrolled bleeding, severe trauma, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or another immediate threat to life. For rabies exposure assessment, contact a clinician or public-health authority; call a facility first when practical because available services vary.
Find Healthcare and Public-Health Contacts
Contact a healthcare professional or local public-health authority for guidance on where to seek assessment. If directed to a facility, call to confirm services before traveling.
Read emergency stepsWhat 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 organize the situation and seek appropriate 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.