Rabies Is on the Rise in Vermont. Here's What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know.
If you live in Vermont, you may have noticed something unusual in the sky lately. Low-flying planes. Helicopters hovering over suburban neighborhoods. Crews driving slowly through residential streets.
It is not a mystery. It is Vermont doing something really important for our wildlife and for our pets.
This year, the state is conducting two rabies vaccine bait drops instead of one. And that should get your attention.
Why Two Drops This Year?
Vermont's spring bait drop is now in its third consecutive year and comes in addition to the annual drop that takes place every August. The decision to increase the frequency is not random. In 2024, 66 animals in Vermont tested positive for rabies. That was a 74% increase from 2023 and a 69% increase from the 15-year average.
That is a significant jump. And it is happening in our backyard.
Rabies cases have been rising in Vermont in recent years, and this year is no exception, according to Natalie Kwit, DVM, Vermont's state public health veterinarian. Over time, the increased frequency and scope of these bait drops will help protect people and domestic animals who may come into contact with wildlife.
The state is responding. But wildlife drops alone are not enough. That is where you come in.
What Is the Bait Drop, Exactly?
Each bait is a quarter-sized blister pack containing an oral rabies vaccine, wrapped in a sweet-smelling waxy coating designed to attract raccoons and skunks, the primary rabies carriers in Vermont. The vaccine does not contain live rabies virus and cannot cause rabies, even if accidentally ingested.
The bait packs are dropped from low-flying airplanes in rural areas, by helicopter in suburban areas, and placed by hand from slow-moving vehicles in residential neighborhoods. When an animal bites into the bait, the vaccine releases into their mouth and they develop immunity.
It is a smart and thoughtful system. But it targets wildlife. Your dog or cat still needs to see their vet.
What Animals Are Most at Risk?
In Vermont, rabies is most often detected in raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and woodchucks. Pets and livestock can also get the disease, especially if they have not been vaccinated.
Your dog might seem like a homebody. Your cat might only go out for a few minutes. But all it takes is one encounter with an infected animal. One bite. One scratch. One moment of curiosity.
Without treatment, rabies is fatal to both humans and animals. There is no "wait and see" with this disease.
Vermont Law Requires It. And It Makes Sense.
Vermont state law requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies, including barn cats. Rabies is rare in vaccinated animals.
This is not a suggestion. It is the law. And it exists because the science is clear. Vaccines save lives.
Think of it this way. When your pet is vaccinated, you are not just protecting them. You are protecting every person and animal they come into contact with. Your kids. Your neighbors. The dog at the park. The stray cat that wanders into your yard. Vaccination creates a protective layer around your whole community, not just the pet in your home.
Rabies has no cure once symptoms appear. Prevention is the only real option we have. A single vet visit, one small shot, and your pet is protected for years. That is one of the best returns on investment any pet owner can make.
At Paws of Promise, we see firsthand how quickly things can go wrong for animals that do not have access to basic care. Rabies vaccination is one of the most straightforward, affordable, and powerful things you can do to protect your pet and your family.
If You Find a Bait Pack
You might come across one of the bait packs in your yard or on a walk. Here is what to do.
Leave the bait undisturbed so it can be eaten by wildlife. If it must be moved, use gloves or a plastic bag. If your pet eats a bait pack or a child brings one home, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES.
The baits are safe. They are not going to harm your dog or your child. But they are doing important work, so leave them be when you can.
Signs of a Rabid Animal
You cannot always tell by looking. That is what makes this disease so dangerous. But some common warning signs include:
Acting disoriented or staggering
Being unusually aggressive
Appearing tame when it is a wild animal (this is a red flag, not a green light to approach)
Foaming at the mouth
Moving in circles or seeming confused
If you see a sick or strange-behaving wild or stray animal, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What You Can Do Right Now
Schedule a vet appointment if your pet's rabies vaccine is overdue.
Keep pets on a leash or in an enclosed space when outdoors.
Feed pets inside and bring them in at night.
Do not approach wild animals, even babies.
If you see something, call 1-800-4-RABIES.
This Is How We Protect Our Community
Vermont is doing its part. Two bait drops this year. Hundreds of thousands of vaccine units have been distributed across the state.
But the piece that only you can control is your pet's vaccination.
At Paws of Promise, everything we do is rooted in love for animals. That love shows up in the big moments, but also in the small, everyday choices. Getting your dog or cat vaccinated is one of those choices. It is simple. It is fast. And it could save their life.
If cost is a barrier, reach out to us. We are here to help connect families with resources. No animal should go without basic protection because of finances.
Together, we keep Vermont's animals safe. Please help us do that.
Sources
Vermont Department of Health. "Early Wildlife Vaccine Drop to Help Prevent the Spread of Rabies." May 1, 2025. healthvermont.gov
Vermont Department of Health. "Wildlife Vaccine Drop Planned for Early August to Prevent Spread of Rabies." July 31, 2025. healthvermont.gov
Vermont Business Magazine. "Early Wildlife Vaccine Drop to Help Prevent the Spread of Rabies." May 1, 2025. vermontbiz.com
The Hardwick Gazette. "Wildlife Vaccine Drop Underway to Prevent Spread of Rabies." August 4, 2025. hardwickgazette.org
Compass Vermont. "Over 350k Rabies Packets Were Dropped in Vermont. What if You Come Across One?" compassvermont.com
