How can You Prevent Rabies Be a responsible pet owner. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated because they are hunters by nature and often have contact with animals at high risk for rabies. By vaccinating household pets, we can establish a buffer between wildlife and humans. Avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons, and woodchucks. Fasten trash can lids tightly.
Garbage attracts animals like skunks and racoons who are looking for an easy meal.
Teach your children to keep a safe distance from wild animals, strays, and all other animals that they don't know well. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. Dogs and cats must not roam at large, but should be confined to the owner's property, preferably on a leash or better yet, within a fenced area. It is against the law to allow your dog or a dog in your care to roam . Confinement to the property will lessen the chances of them having contact with a rabid animal.