Rabies virus is very deadly, with nearly 100% fatal illness in humans and other mammals.

The virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family. The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons and bats. Infected raccoons and bats can expose people, pets, livestock, and other wildlife to rabies, typically through bites.

Outside cats are by far the most common domestic animal found to have rabies in Florida largely because they are often not kept up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in Florida.

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Report a Possible Rabies Exposure

Call the Florida Department of Health in Walton County at 904-529-2800, Option 6.

Download Animal Report Form

If you have questions about an animal’s behavior, you can contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 386-758-0525 and speak with a wildlife biologist.

To report sightings of sick or abandoned wild animals, please call the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida at 904-779-5569.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do rabid animals look like?

Animals with rabies may show strange behavior – they can be aggressive, attacking for no apparent reason, or act very tame (especially wild animals). They may not be able to eat, drink or swallow. They may drool because they have difficulty swallowing. They may stagger or become paralyzed. Rabies will kill most animals.

What do I do if an animal bites me?

Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for five to ten minutes.

  • If you kill the animal, be careful not to damage the head, and avoid further contact with the animal even when it is dead.
  • Try to get a complete description of the animal and determine where it is so that it can be picked up by animal control staff for quarantine or rabies testing.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
  • Call your county health department or animal control agency with the animal’s description and location. The animal will either be quarantined for 10 days (if it is a dog, cat, or ferret) or be tested for rabies.
How can I protect myself, my family, and my pets from rabies?

Have your veterinarian vaccinate all of your dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses against rabies, and make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions for re-vaccination.

  • Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
  • Never feed wild or stray animals – avoid attracting them with outdoor food sources (like uncovered trash). Feed your pets indoors.
  • Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.
  • Support animal control in your community.
  • If your animal is attacked by a wild, stray or unvaccinated animal, DO NOT examine your pet for injuries without wearing gloves. Wash your pet with soap and water to remove saliva from the attacking animal. Contact your veterinarian immediately.