What Arlington Community Members Should Know About Rabies

Published on September 25, 2026

Many people are surprised to learn that rabies is still a risk in Arlington. Human cases are rare in the United States, but rabies is regularly found in local wildlife, including bats, raccoons, and foxes.

The good news is that rabies is preventable. In celebration of Rabies Awareness Week (Sept. 27–Oct. 3) and to raise awareness, Arlington Public Health and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) are sharing ways to protect people and pets from rabies and what to do after an animal bite or scratch.

Prevention Starts with Pet Vaccination

One of the best ways to protect your pet and your family from rabies is to keep dogs and cats up to date on their rabies vaccinations. It's also the law in Virginia. Vaccinated pets are less likely to get rabies and spread it to people. People and pets should also avoid contact with wild animals.

Need help getting your pet vaccinated? The Animal Welfare League of Arlington offers free and low-cost rabies vaccination clinics.

If You're Bitten or Scratched by an Animal

1. Wash the wound well with soap and plenty of water.
2. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
3. If it's safe, identify the animal involved. For pets, get the owner's name and contact information. Don't rely on a verbal assurance that the pet is vaccinated.
4. Report the bite or scratch to AWLA’s Animal Control and follow their instructions.

Always take bites and scratches from wild animals seriously. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but getting medical care quickly can prevent it.

What Happens After a Bite or Scratch Is Reported

When someone reports an animal bite or possible rabies exposure, Arlington Public Health and Animal Control work together. Animal Control helps identify and monitor the animal involved. Public Health helps assess rabies risk and gives guidance to residents and healthcare providers.

Many people worry that reporting a bite means a pet will be taken away or euthanized. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite a person are usually observed for 10 days while staying with their owners. If the animal stays healthy during that period, it did not have rabies at the time of the bite. This can help people avoid an unnecessary series of rabies shots.

If There's a Bat in Your Home

1. Close the door to the room where the bat is.
2. Block gaps under doors with a towel.
3. Keep people and pets out of the room.
4. Call Animal Control at 703-931-9241 (24/7).

Bat bites can be very small and difficult to see. If you wake up and find a bat in your living space, do not let it outside. Call Animal Control right away for support.

If you think a bat may have had contact with a person or pet, get medical or veterinary care as soon as possible.

Questions? We're Here to Help

If you need help with an animal bite, a bat in your home, or an animal acting unusually, contact Animal Control at 703-931-9241. If you have questions about possible rabies exposure, contact Arlington Public Health at 703-228-7444 and ask for the nurse of the day.

Learn more: Visit our Animal Bites and Rabies Prevention webpage for more information and resources.