Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (including rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin) should only be offered to individuals with known or highly probable contact with the saliva of a potentially infected animal. Risk assessment should be based on type of exposure, local rabies epidemiology, symptoms of the animal, ability to test or observe the animal for rabies, prior rabies immunization of the animal and exposed person, and if necessary, consultation with local public health officials. In general, the risk of rabies from domestic animals (e.g., pets) is extremely low.
For more information:
Canada Immunization Guide. Rabies vaccine. [Internet]. 2015. [Cited Feb 5 2020]
De Serres, G et al. Bats in the bedroom, bats in the belfry: reanalysis of the rationale for rabies postexposure prophylaxis. Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Jun 1;48(11):1493-9. PMID: 19400689.
Middleton D et al. Human rabies postexposure prophylaxis and rabid terrestrial animals in Ontario, Canada: 2014-2016. Can Commun Dis Rep. 2019 Jul 4;45(78):177-182. doi: 10.14745/ccdr.v45i78a02. PMID: 31355826.
Public Health Agency of Canada. For Health Professionals: Rabies. [Internet]. 2019. [Cited Feb 5 2020]
World Health Organization. International Travel and Health: Vaccines: Rabies. [Internet] [Cited Feb 5 2020]