Key Takeaways

Rabies is 100% fatal and has no cure once symptoms appear — in humans or animals. The rabies vaccine is the only protection. Here. Free WhatsApp consultation.

Panduan

Cat & Dog Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory, Schedule & Price 2026

25 April 2026

3 min read

Cat & Dog Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory, Schedule & Price 2026

Rabies is the only zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans) with a 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear — in humans and animals alike. There is no treatment, no antidote after clinical signs develop.

The good news: the rabies vaccine provides highly effective protection. And in Jakarta, it is also a legal requirement.

Rabies Facts You Should Know

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

Consult your pet's symptoms now via WhatsApp. Free initial screening.

Chat Vet via WhatsApp

What Makes Rabies Dangerous

The incubation period can range from 2 weeks to several months — animals look healthy but are already infectious
Spread by bites or scratches that break the skin — saliva of an infected animal enters the wound
Once symptoms appear in humans: 100% fatal, nothing more can be done
Indonesia is rabies-endemic, except for DKI Jakarta, Papua, and a few islands

What Keeps Us Protected

The rabies vaccine in animals is >99% effective when scheduled correctly
Mass vaccination of pets has been proven to break the chain of transmission in the community
Post-exposure rabies vaccine (VAR) in humans after a bite is effective if given before symptoms appear
Jakarta maintains its rabies-free status partly thanks to active vaccination programs

The Correct Rabies Vaccine Schedule

Animal	First Dose	First Booster	After That
Cat	12 weeks (3 months)	12 months after the first dose	Every 1–3 years
Dog	12 weeks (3 months)	12 months after the first dose	Every 1–3 years
Adult animal (never vaccinated)	Any time	12 months later	Every 1–3 years

Rabies Symptoms in Animals — Recognize Them Early

Prodromal Phase (first 2–3 days)

Subtle behavior changes: a friendly dog/cat suddenly becomes withdrawn, or a normally shy one becomes very clingy. Restless, loss of appetite, mild fever.

Furious Phase (2–4 days)

The animal becomes abnormally aggressive — biting without provocation, biting objects, extreme restlessness. Sensitive to light and sound. This is the most dangerous phase for transmission.

Paralytic Phase (2–4 days)

Progressive paralysis starting at the bite site. Difficulty swallowing, mouth open, excessive drooling. Death occurs from respiratory failure. There is no treatment in this phase.

What to Do If Bitten by an Animal

Wash the wound IMMEDIATELY with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes — this is the most important step and significantly reduces transmission risk
Apply antiseptic (betadine, 70% alcohol) after washing
Go to the emergency room immediately — don't wait until tomorrow
Get post-exposure rabies vaccine (VAR) — given on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28
The biting animal is confined for 10–14 days for observation

The Rabies Vaccine Can Be Done at Home

No need for a clinic trip. Birawa Vet provides rabies vaccination together with core vaccines (FVRCP for cats / DHPPi for dogs) in a single home visit.

Book a Home Rabies Vaccination

IMPORTANT: Medical Disclaimer

This educational content is not a substitute for veterinary examination. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a vet directly. Chat with drh. Arif via WhatsApp for a free 5-minute consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the rabies vaccine mandatory for cats and dogs in Jakarta?

Yes. DKI Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 199 of 2016 (as amended by Pergub No. 36 of 2025) on Rabies-Transmitting Animal Control, implementing Perda DKI No. 11 of 1995, requires owners of dogs, cats, and monkeys to vaccinate their pets against rabies at least once a year. Jakarta currently holds rabies-free zone status, so vaccination helps maintain that freedom plus protects your pet if it ever contacts animals from endemic areas. Unvaccinated animals also cannot obtain a Health Certificate (SKKH) required for inter-province domestic or international travel.

From what age can cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies?

Cats: from 12 weeks (3 months) of age. Dogs: from 12 weeks (3 months) of age. First booster: 1 year after the first dose. Subsequently: every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine type used. Some vets in Indonesia prefer scheduling the rabies vaccine separately from core vaccines (2–4 weeks apart) to make it easier to track any post-vaccine reaction. However, per WSAVA 2024 guidelines, rabies and core vaccines can be given at the same visit at different injection sites — discuss your preference with your vet.

Does an indoor cat need a rabies vaccine?

Technically the risk is lower, but it is still strongly recommended. Reasons: (1) Bats (which can carry rabies) can enter the home, (2) An indoor cat that escapes or has unexpected contact with outdoor animals is still at risk, (3) It remains legally required, (4) Required for a health certificate when traveling with your pet.

How much does a cat and dog rabies vaccine cost in Jakarta?

The rabies vaccine price depends on the vaccine brand and the clinic. For home visits (vet comes to you), an additional visit fee applies based on distance. Birawa Vet offers home visit vaccination packages that include the rabies vaccine and core vaccines in one visit. Contact us via WhatsApp for current pricing.

What should you do if a person is bitten by an unvaccinated cat or dog?

A bite from a suspicious unvaccinated animal must be taken seriously. For the person bitten: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, go to the emergency room immediately to receive the rabies post-exposure vaccine (VAR) and, if necessary, rabies immunoglobulin (SAR). The biting animal must be confined and observed for 10–14 days. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — rabies is 100% fatal once neurological signs develop.

Medically Reviewed by

Birawa Vet Medical Team

This article has been verified by our medical team to ensure veterinary information accuracy.

Medical Disclaimer

The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for direct consultation with a veterinarian.

Every pet has unique conditions. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if your pet is sick.

WhatsApp X / Twitter

Schedule Home Vaccination

Vet comes to your home. Complete vaccines, official booklet, no clinic queues.

Schedule Vaccination Chat Admin