Rabies in Animals: What Pet Sitters Need to Know
- Gardinou
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Rabies is a serious and deadly disease that can affect both animals and humans. In Quebec, enhanced surveillance of raccoon rabies is currently in effect in 224 municipalities, Indigenous territories and unorganized territories in the Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec.
For pet sitters, this situation deserves particular attention. A dog walk, outdoor time for a cat, or an encounter with wildlife can sometimes create a potentially risky situation.
Which wild animals should you avoid?
Raccoons, skunks and foxes are currently being monitored in the affected areas. A wild animal that appears disoriented, paralyzed, unusually aggressive or otherwise abnormal may need to be reported.
Never approach an unfamiliar wild animal or handle a wild animal carcass with your bare hands.
An infected animal may also appear healthy, so it is best to prevent contact between pets in your care and wildlife.
When walking a dog
Stay aware of your surroundings and prevent the dog from chasing or approaching wildlife.
In affected areas, authorities recommend keeping pets supervised when they are outdoors.
Before a pet-sitting assignment, it can also be helpful to ask the owner:
whether the pet is vaccinated against rabies;
whether the pet normally goes outdoors;
what to do if the pet encounters wildlife;
how to contact the pet’s veterinarian.
If you are caring for a cat
Be especially careful if the cat has outdoor access. Follow the owner's instructions and prevent the cat from approaching wildlife.
If a cat in your care has contact with a potentially infected wild animal, contact a veterinarian promptly. The Government of Quebec recommends that a veterinarian assess the animal and determine the appropriate measures.
What should you do after a bite or scratch?
If a pet in your care is bitten or scratched by a wild animal:
Separate the animals and prevent further contact.
Do not attempt to handle the wild animal.
Contact the pet owner and a veterinarian promptly.
Record what happened so you can provide the information to the veterinarian.
If you are bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of a potentially infected animal, act quickly.
Immediately wash the wound with plenty of soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, even if the injury appears minor, and contact Info-Santé 811 promptly. If saliva has entered your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse thoroughly with water.
What if you see a wild animal that appears sick?
Keep your distance and do not attempt to move it.
In areas covered by enhanced surveillance, dead raccoons, skunks and foxes or animals showing unusual behaviour can be reported to the Quebec wildlife authorities at 1-877-346-6763 or through the government's online reporting form.
Vaccination matters
Vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies can help protect them. Pet owners should discuss rabies vaccination and keeping their pet's vaccines up to date with their veterinarian.
As a pet sitter, you do not have to determine whether an incident represents a medical risk. Your role is to prevent contact, recognize unusual situations and act quickly when an incident occurs.
Check the official information
Surveillance areas and recommendations can change. Before a pet-sitting assignment or walk in an affected area, check the latest information from the Government of Quebec.
Key takeaways
Keep your distance from wildlife.
Supervise the animals in your care.
After a bite, scratch or potentially risky saliva exposure, act quickly.
At Gardinou, we believe that being a good pet sitter means protecting both the animal in your care and yourself.
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