Animal Bite Centers in Metro Manila 2026: Free Anti-Rabies Vaccine Locations
Quick Answer: If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or cat in Metro Manila, go to a government Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) as soon as possible — the anti-rabies vaccine is usually free of charge, regardless of your income or PhilHealth status. Requirements differ by center, so bring an ID and ask what else is needed. The major government ABTCs in Metro Manila are at San Lazaro Hospital (Manila), East Avenue Medical Center (Quezon City), Philippine General Hospital (Manila), and RITM (Muntinlupa). You can also find the nearest center through your city/municipal health office or the public ABTC list on rabies.doh.gov.ph. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with prompt treatment — act on the same day.
Why you must act fast after a bite
Rabies is one of the deadliest diseases known — once symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal. But it is also completely preventable if you start post-exposure prophylaxis (the anti-rabies vaccine, and for severe bites, rabies immunoglobulin) quickly after exposure. That is why the Philippine government runs a nationwide network of Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) offering free vaccines. Do not wait, and do not rely on "watching" the animal first — go straight to an ABTC.
First aid: do this immediately
Before heading to the center:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10–15 minutes — this alone dramatically reduces rabies risk.
- Do not close the wound or apply irritants (no toothpaste, garlic, or kerosene — these folk remedies do nothing).
- Go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center the same day.
Major government Animal Bite Treatment Centers in Metro Manila
These DOH-recognized government centers provide free anti-rabies vaccination:
| Center | City |
|---|---|
| San Lazaro Hospital | Manila |
| East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) | Quezon City |
| Philippine General Hospital (PGH) | Manila |
| Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) | Muntinlupa |
In addition, many city and municipal health offices in Metro Manila operate their own ABTCs. The DOH list includes Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Pasay, and PhilHealth's 2026 provider list includes Quezon City health centers. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to ask your local city/municipal health office or check rabies.doh.gov.ph.
Hours tip: Government ABTC schedules vary; many follow office hours (for example, RITM has posted both 8 AM to 5 PM and 9 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday schedules, and has used an online appointment system). Some hospital ABTCs handle emergencies after hours through the ER. Call ahead to confirm.
Is it really free? What to expect
Yes, at most government ABTCs the anti-rabies vaccine is free, and the service is provided regardless of your PhilHealth status or income. Some centers ask for an ID or proof of residence, so bring one and call ahead. There are hundreds of ABTCs nationwide.
What happens at the center:
- Assessment — staff classify your exposure (Category I, II, or III) based on the type of bite/scratch.
- Vaccination schedule — for category II/III exposures you'll receive the anti-rabies vaccine on a set schedule (typically multiple visits — e.g., Days 0, 3, 7, and a later dose, depending on the regimen used).
- Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) — for severe (Category III) bites, RIG may also be given.
- Follow-up — complete all scheduled doses; finishing the series is essential for protection.
Private animal bite clinics (paid, optional)
If a government center is far or closed, private hospitals and animal bite clinics also offer anti-rabies vaccination — but you will pay for it. A full vaccine series at a private clinic typically costs several thousand pesos. For a full price breakdown and the free-vs-paid comparison, see our anti-rabies vaccine cost guide and the national free anti-rabies vaccine centers guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a free anti-rabies vaccine in Metro Manila?
At government Animal Bite Treatment Centers — major ones include San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, PGH, and RITM — plus your city/municipal health office ABTC. The vaccine is usually free. Ask your city health office or check rabies.doh.gov.ph to find the nearest one.
Do I need PhilHealth or an ID to get the free vaccine?
Usually not. Government ABTC services are free regardless of PhilHealth status or income, but some centers ask for an ID or proof of residence, so bring one and call ahead.
How soon should I get vaccinated after a bite?
As soon as possible — ideally the same day. Wash the wound with soap and water for 10–15 minutes first, then go straight to an ABTC. Do not wait to observe the animal.
How many shots do I need?
It depends on your exposure category and the regimen used, but it typically involves multiple visits over a few weeks. Complete the full schedule for full protection; severe bites may also require rabies immunoglobulin.
What if the animal bite center is closed?
Go to a hospital emergency room, or a private animal bite clinic (paid). Call the nearest hospital ER or your city health office for guidance. Do not delay treatment for a high-risk bite.
Conclusion
A dog or cat bite in Metro Manila is a same-day emergency — but the fix is free and effective. Wash the wound, then head straight to a government Animal Bite Treatment Center (San Lazaro, EAMC, PGH, RITM, or your city health office), where the anti-rabies vaccine is usually given free, with or without PhilHealth. Finishing the full vaccine series is what keeps you 100% safe from a 100%-fatal disease.
For more, see our guides to animal bite centers in the Philippines, free anti-rabies vaccine centers, and anti-rabies vaccine cost. To find clinics and hospitals near you, search ClinicFinderPH.
Locations and schedules reflect publicly available information as of 2026 and can change — always confirm with the center before traveling.