World Rabies Day 2027 — 28 September

World Rabies Day, observed on 28 September each year, raises global awareness of rabies prevention and the Zero by 30 campaign — the goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. For UK cat owners, its primary relevance is international travel and the vaccination requirements of the UK Pet Travel Scheme.

Date 28 September 2027

Organiser Global Alliance for Rabies Control

UK status Rabies-free (terrestrial animals) — vaccination required for travel only

Global impact ~59,000 human deaths annually, predominantly in Asia and Africa

Why this matters for UK cat owners

The UK has been free of terrestrial rabies since the early 20th century, and cats living in the UK have no risk of encountering the virus domestically. However, the following situations make rabies directly relevant to UK cat owners:

International travel: cats travelling under the UK Pet Travel Scheme require a valid rabies vaccination
Cats returning from abroad: monitoring obligations and re-entry documentation requirements apply
Rehomed cats from overseas: cats imported from rabies-endemic countries have specific vaccination and documentation requirements that must be verified

The UK Pet Travel Scheme — cat requirements

Since the UK left the EU, the rules for travelling with pets have changed. The current UK Pet Travel Scheme requires:

1 Microchip

ISO standard 15-digit microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. The microchip must be read successfully before the vaccine is recorded. See our microchip glossary entry for technical details.

2 Rabies vaccination

Primary vaccination administered by a vet, with a 21-day waiting period before travel. Boosters must be kept current — check your destination's requirements for booster validity periods. See our cat vaccinations guide for where rabies fits in the broader schedule.

3 Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

For travel to EU countries, an official AHC issued by an Officially Authorised Vet (OAV) within 10 days of travel is required for re-entry. This is separate from the vaccination appointment — do not leave it to the last day. Requirements for non-EU destinations vary; check the GOV.UK PETS page for your specific destination.

Cats imported from abroad

The RSPCA and Cats Protection have both flagged welfare concerns about cats imported from countries where rabies is endemic with falsified or incomplete vaccination records. If you are adopting a cat that has been imported, verify vaccination history directly with the issuing vet where possible. Any cat with uncertain travel history from an endemic country should be assessed by a vet promptly. The APHA pet travel guidance covers the rules for importing cats to Great Britain.

Zero by 30. World Rabies Day supports the WHO, OIE, FAO, and GARC goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths globally by 2030 through mass dog vaccination programmes. While cats are not the primary target of the campaign, the disease elimination goal is interconnected — vaccinating pets comprehensively reduces the animal reservoir in endemic regions.

Frequently asked questions

Do cats in the UK need a rabies vaccination?

Cats living in the UK do not require rabies vaccination for domestic life — the UK is rabies-free for terrestrial animals. However, cats travelling abroad under the UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) must have a valid rabies vaccination recorded in a pet health certificate or EU pet passport equivalent. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Your vet can advise on timing and certificate requirements for your destination country.

What is the UK Pet Travel Scheme for cats?

The UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows cats to travel to and from certain countries without quarantine, subject to: a microchip implanted before or on the same day as rabies vaccination, a valid rabies vaccination (primary course or current booster), and a signed health certificate from an official vet (AHC — Animal Health Certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Requirements differ for EU entry, Northern Ireland, and non-listed countries. The government's official PETS page at GOV.UK take a pet abroad is the authoritative source for current requirements.

Can cats carry and transmit rabies?

Yes — cats are susceptible to rabies and can transmit it to humans via bite or scratch. In countries where rabies is endemic, cats are a significant vector because they range freely and interact with both wildlife and people. In the UK, the risk is negligible due to the island's rabies-free status, but cats returning from travel to endemic regions should be monitored. If a cat returning from travel bites someone and rabies is a plausible concern, seek medical advice immediately — post-exposure prophylaxis is effective if administered promptly.

How do I get a rabies vaccine for my cat before travelling?

Book a vet appointment at least 3–4 weeks before planned travel. The vet will check or implant a microchip, administer the rabies vaccine, and issue or update the pet health documentation. Note that for re-entry to the UK from many destinations, an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC) signed by an officially authorised vet must be obtained within 10 days of travel — not at the vaccination appointment. Plan the sequence carefully with your vet. Check our cat travel tips guide for the full preparation checklist.