Simple numbers, clear first aid, and straight answers for parents, pet owners, and everyone else.
Animal bites and scratches happen more often than many of us think — and in the Philippines, delays in care remain one of the biggest risks. The good news? Rabies is preventable if you act early and correctly.
The guide below will hopefully guide and help you make calm, informed decisions after a bite or scratch — for yourself, your family, and the people around you.
The latest PH numbers (within the last year)
Recent national data shows that human rabies cases continue to be reported across the country, with the majority linked to animals that were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
What stands out is not just the number of cases — but the pattern behind them:
- Many exposures involved pets, not only strays
- Care was often delayed, especially after scratches or “minor” wounds
What this means for you
A bite from a pet you know is not automatically safe. Recent data shows many rabies cases involved animals that were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. If you are not 100% sure the pet is vaccinated and up to date, the risk is real. That’s why doctors don’t rely on assumptions. They rely on assessment and early treatment.
A small scratch can still count as exposure. Rabies does not need a deep wound to enter the body. Saliva entering a scratch, even one that did not bleed, can still pose a risk. This is why health facilities treat scratches seriously, especially when they break the skin.
The safest move is simple: don’t self-assess. Wash the wound and let a clinic decide the next step. Early assessment and treatment can stop rabies before it becomes life-threatening. Waiting or guessing removes that safety window.
What animal bite numbers look like in real PH centres
One example shows how common bite visits are.
Southern Philippines Medical Center recorded 6,491 animal bite patients from April to June 2025 at its Animal Bite Treatment Centre. In that same report:
- Cats were linked to 4,439 cases
- Dogs were linked to 2,048 cases
These figures show how often animal bites lead to clinic visits, even within a short period. What stands out is that cat-related cases outnumbered dog-related cases, which many people do not expect. Cat scratches and bites are often dismissed as minor, but these numbers suggest otherwise.
For families and pet owners, this is a reminder that any bite or scratch is worth checking, regardless of the animal involved. Waiting because the wound looks small or because the animal is familiar can delay care. In real settings like this treatment centre, most patients come in not because the injury looks severe, but because they chose to act early rather than take a risk.
Takeaway: Cat scratches are often brushed off — but they are a frequent reason people end up needing post-exposure care. Don’t underestimate them.
Go to Dr. Care Animal Bite Center (InLife Benefits provider)
If you need care after a bite or scratch, you can go to Dr. Care Animal Bite Center, an animal bite provider linked with InLife Benefits.
Dr. Care has multiple locations across the Philippines, so help is accessible when you need it. Patients receive consistent, standardized care across clinics, following the same protocols used in hospital-based animal bite treatment centres—without the higher hospital cost.
People choose Dr. Care because they get specialized animal bite care, clear guidance on next steps, and treatment that meets medical standards, at a more economical price point.
Dr. Care Animal Bite Center operates multiple clinics across key areas in the Philippines, making animal bite care accessible when you need it.
Note: People receive the same quality of care across Dr. Care clinics, regardless of location.
DOH rabies cases update (260 cases; Jan 1–Sep 20, 2025):
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/philippines-records-260-rabies-cases-in-2025
DOH rabies cases update (211 cases; Jan 1–Aug 2, 2025):
https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/doh-rabies-cases-down-by-21-this-year
SPMC Davao ABTC bite patient volume (Apr–Jun 2025):
https://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/spmc-logs-6491-rabies-cases-as-of-june-2025/
DOH rabies exposure categories and wound washing guidance (AO 2018-0013 copy):
https://psmid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CPG-rabies-AO-2018-0013.pdf
PhilHealth ABT package (PHP 5,850):
https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/up/article/2025/news_67d9204d37171.php
PhilHealth accredited ABT providers list (updated as of 31 Dec 2025):
https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/partners/providers/facilities/accredited/ABPP_123125.pdf
DILG advisory on anti-rabies law implementation (mentions unsafe traditional treatments):
Dr. Care partnership page (older brand name on page):
