Rabies Safety in Delaware: Protect Your Pets & Family

Rabies is endemic in Delaware’s wildlife population, meaning it is present year-round.

• Raccoons (primary carrier in the region)
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Bats

👉 Delaware follows the Eastern U.S. raccoon rabies variant, which drives most terrestrial cases.

• Pets encountering raccoons or skunks in backyards
• Bats entering homes (especially older buildings or attics)
• Unsupervised outdoor pets at night
• Children approaching injured or stray animals

👉 Many exposures happen within residential neighborhoods—not remote areas

In Delaware, rabies vaccination is mandatory for:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets

Schedule:

• First vaccine: around 3 months of age
• Booster: 1 year later
• Then: every 1–3 years depending on vaccine type

👉 Vaccination is required for:

• Licensing (dogs)
• Boarding or grooming in many facilities

Important Legal Note: Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies may face long quarantine or euthanasia in high-risk cases.

1. Wash the wound immediately (soap and running water for 15 minutes)
2. Seek medical care (post-exposure prophylaxis may be needed)
3. Report the bite (contact Delaware Division of Public Health)

If Your Pet Bites Someone:

• Provide vaccination proof
• Animal must be observed for 10 days
• Incident reporting is required

If Your Pet is Exposed to Wildlife:

• Contact a veterinarian immediately
• Booster vaccination is often required
• Quarantine depends on vaccination status

Early Signs:

• Sudden behavioral changes
• Unusual aggression or tameness
• Drooling

Advanced Signs:

• Difficulty moving
• Paralysis
• Seizures

👉 Never approach a suspected rabid animal—contact animal control

• Keep pets vaccinated and supervised
• Avoid leaving pets outdoors at night
• Secure garbage bins (reduces raccoon activity)
• Seal attic and roof gaps to prevent bat entry
• Keep cats indoors

Spring & Summer:

• Increased wildlife activity
• Young animals more likely to roam

Fall:

• Wildlife preparing for winter → more aggressive encounters

Year-Round:

• Bats can enter homes at any time

👉 Awareness should be continuous, not seasonal only

• Delaware Division of Public Health
• County animal control services
• Licensed veterinarians

👉 Always follow official state guidance for exposure cases