Behavioral Strategies
Even though rabies is usually transmitted through unprovoked animal bites, it’s a good idea to brush up on behavior that might provoke a bite. To that end, you should never approach or pet an unfamiliar dog. It’s also smart to put a safe distance between yourself and a dog displaying such signals as a tensed body, stiff tail, pulled-back head and/or ears, or an intense stare.
You should also keep your pet from coming in contact with any wild animals.
Vaccinations
Although rabies in domestic dogs is now considered under control in the United States, the CDC estimates that up to 70 dogs and more than 250 cats are reported rabid each year. Most of these animals were unvaccinated and became infected by rabid bats, raccoons, skunks, and other forms of wildlife.
In addition, you can lower your risk of contracting rabies by getting vaccinated, especially if you work with pets or in another high-risk occupation or travel to countries with a high rate of rabies.