But as charming and cute as they may seem, encounters can also be dangerous. One of the biggest risks is rabies. Once the disease breaks out, it is (almost) always fatal.

And that is precisely the tricky part: hardly any other topic brings together such contrasting images—cute puppies and kittens on one side, and a deadly disease on the other. Let’s take a look at what we need to know about rabies in order to stay safe while traveling.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals. Once inside the body, the virus travels along the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation. Symptoms usually appear a few weeks to several months after infection (rarely in under 10 days, in some cases only after more than a year) and once symptoms develop, they generally almost always lead to death.

The good news: rabies can be prevented through vaccination and by taking quick action after a potential exposure. We’ll explain how a little further down.

Where does rabies occur?

Bat-transmitted rabies exists worldwide, which is why you should always see a doctor after any contact with bats. Rabies transmitted by terrestrial mammals is now extremely rare in Europe but is still widespread in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. And while Switzerland and other Western European countries are considered free of terrestrial rabies today, the virus can still be reintroduced through the illegal import of animals from other countries. You can find an up-to-date world map of rabies distribution here.

How do rabid animals behave?

Rabies can show itself in different ways:

• “Furious rabies”: The infected animal is unusually aggressive and restless, bites without reason, and often shows heavy salivation or even foaming at the mouth.

• “Dumb rabies”: The animal appears calm and apathetic, but rapidly progressing paralysis leads to difficulty swallowing and increased salivation. Normally shy wild animals may suddenly approach humans and allow themselves to be touched—sometimes followed by biting.

However, you cannot reliably identify rabies just by observing an animal’s behavior! In some countries, visible markers are used to show that an animal has been vaccinated against rabies as part of control programs. These markers help organizations keep track of treated animals. But for travelers, one rule applies: never rely on these markings alone.

Examples include:

• Ear notches (a small cut in the ear): often used in dogs, indicating castration and vaccination.

• Collars or ear tattoos: also common, though tattoos are hard to recognize from afar, and collars can be lost.

Not every country uses the same methods, and a marking does not necessarily mean the animal is vaccinated. Even if it once was, the vaccination may have been a long time ago and may no longer provide protection. The most important rule remains: keep your distance from animals whenever possible. That’s the safest approach while traveling.

How to protect yourself

Rabies is usually transmitted through bites, but can also spread through scratches or any other way their saliva may enter into one of your mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, mouth) or open wounds. You can protect yourself by consistently avoiding contact with mammals. Even if it’s difficult, the following rules apply:

• Do not pet, feed, or play with animals.

• Do not engage with animals that approach you on their own.

• Do not touch young animals—their parents may react aggressively.

• Even if you want to help: do not touch dead or injured animals. Instead, contact local authorities or animal welfare organizations.

Get vaccinated

For reliable basic protection while traveling, two doses of the rabies vaccine are required, given 4 weeks apart (the interval can be shortened to a minimum of 7 days). Full protection is reached about 2 weeks after the second dose.

If you have already received 2 rabies vaccinations in the past, a single booster at least 1 year after the second dose is enough to establish lifelong basic protection. However action is still required after a possible exposure, even after having been vaccinated. 

What to do in an emergency

If there has been a possible exposure to rabies, it is crucial to act immediately:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap for 15 minutes.

2. Disinfect the wound (ideally with an iodine solution).

3. Seek medical attention immediately, since further vaccinations are always required—even if you were previously vaccinated.

If you have already been vaccinated before the trip: 2 additional doses are required after the exposure, given 3 days apart.

If you have not previously been vaccinated: then 4 doses over several days are needed, plus an additional passive immunization (immunoglobulins). 

Rabies is a serious but preventable risk. If you avoid contact with animals while traveling and act quickly in case of emergency, you are on the safe side. That way, nothing stands in the way of a relaxed and worry-free trip.

References

Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). Rabies in animals and humans. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/tiere/tierseuchen/uebersicht-seuchen/alle-tierseuchen/tollwut.html

European Travel and Health Advisory Board (ECTM). (2024, December 9). Rabies – Factsheet for laypersons. HealthyTravel. Retrieved from https://www.healthytravel.ch/de/get-file?attachment_id=2702&download_file=RABIES_ECTM_Factsheet_Layperson_DE.pdf

ICAM Coalition. (2017). Identification methods for dogs and cats: Guidance for WSPA staff and member societies. Retrieved from https://www.icam-coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Identification-methods-for-dogs-and-cats.pdf

Travel Clinic UZH. (2023, September 29). Rabies: This virus bites! Retrieved from https://reisemedizin.uzh.ch/de/blog/tollwut_dieses_virus_beisst

Travel Clinic UZH. (2024, August). Travel advice – Rabies. Retrieved from https://reisemedizin.uzh.ch/de/reiseberatung/tollwut