Rabies Safety in Indiana: Protect Your Pets & Family

Rabies is endemic in Indiana wildlife, meaning it is present year-round in certain animal populations.

• Bats (primary source of human exposure)
• Skunks (common terrestrial carrier)
• Foxes and raccoons (less frequent but present)

👉 In Indiana, bat exposure is the most common reason for human rabies prevention treatment

• A bat found inside a home (especially bedrooms)
• Pets interacting with skunks or wildlife at night
• Outdoor pets in rural or farm areas
• Children playing unsupervised near wooded areas

👉 Many exposures occur in homes, yards, or farms—not just wilderness

In Indiana:

• Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets

Schedule:

• First vaccine: around 3–4 months of age
• Booster: 1 year later
• Then: every 1–3 years

👉 Required for:

• Licensing (in many counties)
• Boarding, grooming, and veterinary services

Important: Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies may face strict quarantine or euthanasia in high-risk situations.

1. Wash the wound immediately (soap + running water for 15 minutes)
2. Seek medical care (doctors will evaluate need for rabies post-exposure treatment)
3. Report the bite (contact your local health department)

If Your Pet Bites Someone:

• Provide vaccination records
• Animal must be observed for 10 days
• 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:

• Behavioral changes
• Aggression or unusual friendliness
• Drooling

Advanced Signs:

• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis
• Seizures

👉 Never approach a suspected rabid animal—contact animal control

• Keep pets vaccinated and supervised
• Do not leave pets outside overnight
• Seal attic and roof gaps to prevent bats
• Secure garbage to reduce wildlife attraction
• Supervise pets on farms and rural properties

Spring & Summer:

• Increased wildlife activity
• Higher chance of pet–wildlife encounters

Fall:

• Wildlife becomes more active before winter
• Increased movement of skunks and foxes

Year-Round:

• Bats can enter homes at any time

👉 Peak exposure risk occurs May–September

• Indiana Department of Health
• County health departments
• Animal control services
• Licensed veterinarians

👉 Always follow local health authority guidance