Purpose of the precautionary confinement period

If an animal has been exposed to rabies, there is a risk that it may go on to develop rabies infection and start shedding the virus in its saliva, at which point it becomes infectious to other animals and people.

When a domestic animal is suspected of having been exposed to rabies, it is the responsibility of the animal's owner or caretaker to keep the animal confined and under observation for the prescribed period of risk.

The primary goals of the precautionary confinement period (PCP) are:

  • to rapidly detect any behavioural changes or signs of illness in the animal consistent with rabies infection
  • to minimize the risk of exposure of people (and other animals) to the confined animal during the period of risk, including the animal’s caretaker(s)

Signs of rabies

Rabies causes inflammation of the brain. Signs of infection are therefore primarily neurological but may vary dramatically from case to case.

Behavioural changes in animals are often noted first, and may range from becoming lethargic and depressed, to becoming increasingly anxious or aggressive.

Other signs may include:

  • reduced ability to swallow (resulting in excessive drooling)
  • abnormal vocalization (strange bark/meow)
  • incoordination (resulting in wobbling or difficulty walking)

Once signs of rabies develop, the disease typically progresses rapidly (over 7 to 10 days) and invariably leads to death.

There is no cure or treatment for rabies in animals.

Transmission of rabies

Animals with rabies are most infectious when they are showing signs of disease. However, they can infect people or animals for a few days before signs of disease develop.

Even if the dog or cat looks normal, it is important to avoid contact that could result in virus transmission.

Rabies virus is transmitted by contact with saliva. Bites are the highest risk, but licking or other contact of saliva with broken skin or the nose/mouth/eyes is also a possible route of transmission. Virus is not present in urine, feces or blood.

Rabies virus does not survive well in the environment, outside of animals or people. Dried saliva (on toys, food bowls, other surfaces) is therefore not a risk, but the virus can be preserved in the environment by freezing.

Recommendations for dogs and cats

Limit contact with people on the property

Contact with and care of the pet should be limited to the smallest number of adults possible (ideally only 1 to 2 people). These individuals are the primary caretakers.

Social contact (such as petting or play) with the caretaker is still important for the pet’s well-being, but high-risk contact (with saliva) must be avoided. The caretakers are responsible for assessing the pet for any abnormal behaviour or signs of illness each time before they have contact with the animal. When the caretakers are sleeping, the pet must be separated from them by a solid barrier (such as a door) to prevent unintended contact.

If the pet has direct contact with any person other than the primary caretakers or an animal outside the household, record the:

  • person's or pet owner's name and contact information
  • date
  • type of contact (touched, licked, bitten, scratched)

All animal-to-human bites must be reported as soon as possible to the local public health unit.

Solid barrier

Because animal behaviour can be unpredictable, there should always be a solid barrier between the pet and anyone other than the primary caretakers, including:

  • household members who are not primary caretakers
  • visitors
  • children especially

The pet should have a designated primary confinement area (such as a large crate or an enclosed room or area with a solid door) where the pet can be kept when necessary to prevent contact with non-caretakers or access to exterior doors.

Contact with other pets

The pet may be in contact with any other pets in the household that are currently vaccinated for rabies. However, rough play or other high-risk contact should be discouraged.

Prevent contact with people off the property

The pet must remain on the property at all times unless it requires medical attention at a veterinary clinic (including post-exposure rabies vaccination).

The caretakers must inform the veterinary clinic prior to arrival so that precautions can be taken to minimize contact risks. Clinic staff should inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) if there is any concern that the animal's clinical signs may be related to rabies infection.

The pet should not have direct access to any exterior door or window through which it could accidentally escape, including when people are entering or exiting.

Cats

Cats should be kept indoors at all times, without exception.

Dogs

Dogs should be kept indoors at all times except for elimination activities.

A dog should only be taken out on leash and in an enclosed area (such as a fenced yard). If no such area is available, then the dog should be double leashed and muzzled if there is any risk of contact with other people or animals while outdoors.

Case information collection

For each pet under the PCP, take note of its:

  • description (name, sex, age, breed, colour)
  • microchip number (if available)
  • date of last vaccination prior to exposure and duration of immunity (1 year, 3 year or unknown)
  • date of post-exposure vaccination
  • date of potential rabies exposure
  • offending animal suspected of rabies
  • status of offending animal (not tested, tested unfit, tested positive for rabies)
  • recommended duration of PCP (3 months or 6 months)
  • PCP end date
  • address for PCP
  • primary confinement area for pet
  • primary caretaker name
  • primary caretaker contact information
  • how the PCP recommendations were provided to the caretaker(s) (such as email, hard copy or verbal)
  • the date the primary caretakers received the PCP recommendations
  • veterinary clinic name and phone number
  • public health unit name and phone number

Contact us

Rabies response request form

Contact us through the rabies response request form if you’re a veterinarian and you:

  • need help with a specific case
  • determine that an animal requires a rabies PCP

We can provide you with assistance and a fillable PDF version of species-specific PCP recommendations to provide to an animal’s caretaker.

Agricultural Information Contact Centre

Alternatively, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 if you or your staff need help with:

  • the rabies response request form
  • assessment and procedures
  • post-exposure management recommendations