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Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the Philippines [2026 Guide]

Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the Philippines [2026 Guide]

Quick Answer: Government Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) across the Philippines provide free anti-rabies vaccines to all patients, regardless of PhilHealth membership. There are over 700 DOH-accredited ABTCs nationwide. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes, then go to the nearest ABTC or hospital emergency room without delay. Private hospitals charge ₱5,000-₱15,000 for the full course of treatment. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is 100% preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Philippines reports 200-300 human rabies deaths per year, making it one of the top countries in Southeast Asia for rabies cases. The overwhelming majority of these cases come from dog bites, and nearly all of them are preventable. The reason people die from rabies in the Philippines is not a lack of available treatment -- it is delayed or incomplete treatment.

Rabies has a case fatality rate of nearly 100%. Once a patient develops symptoms such as hydrophobia (fear of water), confusion, or aggressive behavior, there is no cure. Death typically follows within days. However, rabies is also one of the most preventable fatal diseases in the world. If post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) -- wound washing, anti-rabies vaccine, and in some cases rabies immunoglobulin -- is administered promptly after exposure, it is virtually 100% effective.

The Philippine government, through the Department of Health (DOH), operates a nationwide network of over 700 accredited Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) that provide free anti-rabies vaccines. These centers are found in government hospitals, city health offices, rural health units, and district hospitals across all regions.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what to do immediately after an animal bite, where to get free treatment, what the treatment involves, how much it costs at private facilities, and what PhilHealth covers.

Find clinics and treatment centers near you on ClinicFinderPH to get directions and contact information.

What to Do Immediately After an Animal Bite

Time is critical after an animal bite. Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Wash the Wound Immediately

This is the single most important first aid measure. Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10-15 minutes. Use regular soap -- antibacterial soap, laundry soap, or hand soap all work. Running water helps flush out the virus. If soap is not available, flush the wound with water alone. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any disinfectant as a substitute for thorough washing with soap and water.

Step 2: Apply Antiseptic

After washing, apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone-iodine (Betadine) or 70% alcohol to the wound. This provides additional protection against the rabies virus and other bacteria.

Step 3: Do Not Apply Tight Bandages or Suture the Wound

Do not close the wound with tight bandages, stitches, or adhesive strips. Bite wounds should be left open to allow drainage and reduce the risk of trapping the virus inside the tissue. Light, clean gauze can be placed over the wound loosely.

Step 4: Go to the Nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center

Proceed immediately to the nearest government ABTC or hospital emergency room. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Do not wait for the animal to show signs of rabies. Treatment must begin as soon as possible -- ideally on the same day as the bite (Day 0).

Step 5: Observe the Animal (If Possible)

If the animal is a pet dog or cat that can be safely observed, have it confined and monitored for 14 days. Inform the ABTC staff about the animal's status. If the animal is a stray, unknown, or wild animal, assume it may be rabid and proceed with the full course of treatment.

What NOT to do:

  • Do not apply herbal remedies, chili, garlic, or traditional medicine to the wound
  • Do not suck the wound or try to squeeze out blood
  • Do not cauterize or burn the wound
  • Do not delay going to a treatment center, even if the wound seems minor
  • Do not assume a vaccinated pet cannot transmit rabies

Animal Bite Categories

The DOH classifies animal bite exposures into three categories based on the nature of contact. The category determines what treatment you receive.

Category I -- No Exposure

DetailDescription
Type of ContactTouching or feeding an animal; licking of intact skin
Treatment RequiredNo treatment needed
Vaccine NeededNo
RIG NeededNo

Category I involves contact with an animal where the skin barrier is not broken. If you touched a dog, cat, or other animal, or if an animal licked your skin and there are no scratches, wounds, or breaks in the skin, no anti-rabies treatment is necessary. Wash the area with soap and water as a precaution.

Category II -- Minor Exposure

DetailDescription
Type of ContactNibbling of uncovered skin; minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding
Treatment RequiredWound washing + anti-rabies vaccine
Vaccine NeededYes (full course)
RIG NeededNo

Category II covers situations where an animal has nibbled on bare skin or caused minor scratches that do not bleed. Even though there is no bleeding, the skin barrier has been compromised and the rabies virus can potentially enter. Treatment includes thorough wound washing and the full course of anti-rabies vaccine.

Category III -- Severe Exposure

DetailDescription
Type of ContactSingle or multiple bites or scratches that break the skin and cause bleeding; licking of broken skin or mucous membranes; contact with bats
Treatment RequiredWound washing + anti-rabies vaccine + Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)
Vaccine NeededYes (full course)
RIG NeededYes

Category III is the most serious level. It includes any bite that punctures the skin and draws blood, scratches that bleed, licking of open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), and any contact with bats. In addition to wound washing and the full course of anti-rabies vaccine, patients receive Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) -- a preparation of antibodies that provides immediate, short-term protection while the vaccine triggers the body's own immune response. RIG is infiltrated (injected) around the wound site.

Important: Bites on the head, face, neck, hands, and fingers are considered high-risk locations due to their proximity to the brain and the density of nerve endings. These require urgent treatment.

Government Animal Bite Treatment Centers

The Department of Health operates and supports Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) across the Philippines. These centers provide free anti-rabies vaccines to all patients who come in for post-exposure treatment. You do not need PhilHealth, an ID, or a referral letter. Walk-in patients are accepted.

ABTCs are staffed by trained health workers who assess the bite wound, classify the exposure category, administer vaccines, and schedule follow-up doses. Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is available at select centers, though supply can be limited and is typically reserved for Category III exposures.

Metro Manila (NCR)

San Lazaro Hospital -- Animal Bite Treatment Center

  • Address: Quiricada Street, Santa Cruz, Manila
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), Rabies Immunoglobulin (when available), tetanus prophylaxis, wound care
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (including holidays for emergencies)
  • Contact: (02) 8732-3776 to 78
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: San Lazaro Hospital is the national referral center for infectious diseases and one of the busiest animal bite treatment centers in the country, handling thousands of patients monthly. Arrive early as patient volume is high.

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) -- Animal Bite Clinic

  • Address: 9002 Research Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), Rabies Immunoglobulin, tetanus shot, laboratory services
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (registration closes at 4:00 PM)
  • Contact: (02) 8807-2631 / 8807-2632 / 8807-2637
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: RITM is the DOH's research and training center for tropical and infectious diseases. It is one of the primary training sites for animal bite management in the Philippines. The facility also conducts rabies laboratory testing.

East Avenue Medical Center -- Animal Bite Center

  • Address: East Avenue, Quezon City
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Contact: (02) 8928-0611
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: Located near the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Daily patient capacity is limited, so arrive early in the morning for registration. This center serves a large catchment area across Quezon City and nearby municipalities.

Philippine General Hospital (PGH) -- Animal Bite Treatment Center

  • Address: Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), emergency treatment, surgical wound management for severe cases
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Emergency Room operates 24/7
  • Contact: (02) 5218-8450
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: PGH is the national university hospital and handles complex cases including severe bites requiring surgical intervention. For after-hours emergencies, the Emergency Room provides initial assessment and wound care.

Quezon City General Hospital -- Animal Bite Center

  • Address: 264 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard, Barangay Damayang Lagi, Quezon City
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Contact: (02) 8863-0800 loc. 500/514
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: Serves as a primary animal bite treatment facility for the eastern part of Quezon City.

Cebu

Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC)

  • Address: B. Rodriguez Street, Sambag II, Cebu City 6000
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), Rabies Immunoglobulin (for Category III cases, when available), tetanus prophylaxis
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Contact: (032) 253-7841 to 50
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: VSMMC is the largest government hospital in the Visayas. It serves as a referral center for animal bite cases from across Central Visayas. Expect high patient volume during mornings.

Iloilo

Western Visayas Medical Center -- Animal Bite Treatment Center

  • Address: Q. Abeto Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City 5000
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis, post-exposure counseling
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN
  • Contact: (033) 321-2841 to 50
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: The ABTC at WVMC provides post-exposure prophylaxis to animal bite patients from across the Western Visayas region.

Davao

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) -- Animal Bite Center

  • Address: J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City 8000
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), Rabies Immunoglobulin (for Category III cases), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Contact: (082) 227-2731
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: SPMC is the largest government hospital in Mindanao and a DOH-retained hospital. It serves as the primary referral center for severe animal bite cases in the Davao Region.

Davao City Health Office -- Main Animal Bite Treatment Center

  • Address: Magallanes Street, Davao City
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis, community education
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Contact: (082) 241-1000 loc. 344
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: The Davao City Health Office operates nine satellite ABTCs across the city (in Toril, Mintal, Calinan, Marilog, Sasa, Bunawan, Paquibato, Cabantian, and Tibungco), making anti-rabies treatment accessible in each district.

Tagum, Davao del Norte

Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) -- Animal Bite Center

  • Address: Apokon Road, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte 8100
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine (free), wound care, tetanus prophylaxis, health education and counseling
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Contact: (084) 400-5877
  • Cost: FREE for anti-rabies vaccine
  • Notes: DRMC's ABTC is accredited under the DOH Rabies Prevention and Control Program. It provides counseling and health education to patients and treatment partners, with referral for advanced cases.

How to Find Your Nearest ABTC

If your city or municipality is not listed above, you can locate the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center through:

  1. Your city or municipal health office -- Call the local government hotline and ask for the ABTC location and schedule
  2. DOH regional offices -- Each DOH regional office maintains a list of accredited ABTCs in its jurisdiction
  3. PhilHealth accredited providers list -- PhilHealth publishes an updated list of accredited Animal Bite Package Providers on its website at philhealth.gov.ph
  4. Barangay health centers -- Your local barangay health worker can direct you to the nearest treatment center
  5. ClinicFinderPH -- Search for animal bite treatment centers near you

Private Hospital Options

Private hospitals offer animal bite treatment as an alternative for patients who prefer shorter wait times, more comfortable facilities, or after-hours availability. The medical treatment itself (vaccine, RIG, wound care) is the same as government centers, but private hospitals charge for it.

Capitol Medical Center -- Animal Bite Center

  • Address: Scout Magbanua corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City
  • Services: Wound assessment, anti-rabies vaccine, Rabies Immunoglobulin, wound debridement, tetanus prophylaxis, PhilHealth billing
  • Cost Range: ₱1,400-₱2,600 per vaccine dose; ₱5,000-₱15,000 total for full course
  • PhilHealth: Accredited for Animal Bite Treatment Package (₱5,850 coverage)
  • Hours: Animal Bite Center operates Monday to Saturday; Emergency Room is 24/7

St. Luke's Medical Center -- Quezon City

  • Address: 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City
  • Services: Emergency treatment, anti-rabies vaccine, Rabies Immunoglobulin, wound care, specialist consultation for severe cases
  • Cost Range: ₱2,000-₱2,600 per vaccine dose; ₱8,000-₱15,000+ total depending on severity
  • PhilHealth: Accredited for Animal Bite Treatment Package (₱5,850 coverage)
  • Hours: Emergency Room operates 24/7

The Medical City

  • Address: Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City
  • Services: Emergency treatment, anti-rabies vaccine, Rabies Immunoglobulin, wound management, infectious disease consultation
  • Cost Range: ₱1,800-₱2,500 per vaccine dose; ₱7,000-₱15,000+ total
  • PhilHealth: Accredited for Animal Bite Treatment Package (₱5,850 coverage)
  • Hours: Emergency Room operates 24/7

Makati Medical Center

  • Address: #2 Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
  • Services: Emergency treatment, anti-rabies vaccine, Rabies Immunoglobulin, wound care, surgical management for severe bites
  • Cost Range: ₱1,800-₱2,600 per vaccine dose; ₱7,000-₱15,000+ total
  • PhilHealth: Accredited for Animal Bite Treatment Package (₱5,850 coverage)
  • Hours: Emergency Room operates 24/7

Chong Hua Hospital -- Cebu

  • Address: Don Mariano Cui Street, Fuente Osmena, Cebu City
  • Services: Emergency treatment, anti-rabies vaccine, Rabies Immunoglobulin, wound care
  • Cost Range: ₱1,400-₱2,200 per vaccine dose; ₱5,000-₱12,000 total
  • PhilHealth: Accredited for Animal Bite Treatment Package (₱5,850 coverage)
  • Hours: Emergency Room operates 24/7

When to choose a private hospital:

  • If the nearest ABTC is closed (weekends, holidays, or after 5:00 PM)
  • If the ABTC has run out of vaccine stock (this occasionally happens at high-volume centers)
  • If you need immediate RIG and it is not available at the government center
  • If you have severe or complex wounds that require surgical management
  • If you have an HMO card that covers animal bite treatment

Treatment Schedule

The standard anti-rabies vaccination regimen used in the Philippines follows the updated Essen regimen or the Thai Red Cross intradermal regimen, depending on the ABTC. Here is the schedule:

Essen Intramuscular (IM) Regimen -- 4 Doses

This is the most commonly used schedule in private hospitals:

DoseDayTimeline
1st doseDay 0Day of first visit (as soon as possible after the bite)
2nd doseDay 3Three days after the first dose
3rd doseDay 7Seven days after the first dose
4th doseDay 14-28Fourteen to twenty-eight days after the first dose

The vaccine is injected intramuscularly (IM) into the deltoid muscle (upper arm) for adults, or the anterolateral thigh for children.

Updated Thai Red Cross (TRC) Intradermal (ID) Regimen

Many government ABTCs use the intradermal regimen because it requires smaller doses of vaccine per visit, allowing the same vial to be shared among multiple patients. This makes vaccine supply go further without reducing effectiveness:

DoseDayInjection Sites
1st doseDay 0Two intradermal sites (one on each arm)
2nd doseDay 3Two intradermal sites (one on each arm)
3rd doseDay 7Two intradermal sites (one on each arm)
4th doseDay 28One intradermal site

Both regimens are equally effective when administered correctly and on schedule.

Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) -- For Category III Only

RIG is administered only once, on Day 0, at the same time as the first vaccine dose. It is infiltrated (injected) into and around the bite wound. If the wound has already healed by the time the patient arrives, the RIG is injected intramuscularly at a site distant from the vaccine injection site.

RIG provides immediate passive immunity (pre-formed antibodies) that protects the patient during the 7-14 days it takes for the vaccine to stimulate the body's own antibody production.

What If You Were Previously Vaccinated?

If you have been previously vaccinated against rabies (either pre-exposure or a completed post-exposure course), you only need two booster doses on Day 0 and Day 3. You do not need RIG. Inform the ABTC staff about your previous vaccination history and bring any vaccination records you have.

Costs Breakdown

One of the most significant advantages of government ABTCs is that anti-rabies vaccines are provided free of charge. Below is a comparison of costs between government and private facilities:

ItemGovernment ABTCPrivate Hospital
Anti-rabies vaccine (per dose)FREE₱1,400 - ₱2,600
Anti-rabies vaccine (full course, 4 doses)FREE₱5,600 - ₱10,400
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)FREE (when available)₱5,000 - ₱15,000+ (weight-based)
Wound cleaning and careFREE₱500 - ₱1,500
Tetanus toxoidFREE₱200 - ₱500
Anti-tetanus serum (if needed)FREE₱800 - ₱2,000
Consultation feeFREE₱500 - ₱1,000
Total Estimate (Category II)FREE₱6,100 - ₱12,400
Total Estimate (Category III with RIG)FREE₱11,100 - ₱27,400+

Important notes on costs:

  • Government ABTC services are free regardless of your PhilHealth status, income level, or residency. You do not need to show any ID or proof of membership.
  • Private hospital costs vary widely by facility and location. Metro Manila hospitals tend to charge more than provincial private hospitals.
  • RIG is the most expensive component of treatment. The dose is calculated based on body weight (20 IU/kg for human RIG, 40 IU/kg for equine RIG), so heavier patients pay more at private facilities.
  • Some private hospitals offer package pricing for the full anti-rabies course. Ask about this when you visit.
  • If you start treatment at a government ABTC and later decide to switch to a private hospital (or vice versa), you can do so as long as you bring your vaccination card showing the dates of previous doses.

PhilHealth Coverage

PhilHealth provides coverage for animal bite treatment through its Animal Bite Treatment Package (ABTP). In 2025, PhilHealth expanded this package to better cover the costs of post-exposure prophylaxis.

What PhilHealth Covers

BenefitCoverage
Total Package Amount₱5,850
Anti-rabies vaccineCovered
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)Covered
Local wound careCovered
Tetanus toxoidCovered
Anti-tetanus serumCovered
AntibioticsCovered
Treatment supplies (syringes, antiseptics)Covered

Who Is Eligible

  • All PhilHealth members (employed, voluntary, self-paying, senior citizens, indigent, sponsored)
  • Qualified dependents of PhilHealth members
  • The package is available for both Category II and Category III exposures

How to Use PhilHealth for Animal Bite Treatment

  1. Go to a PhilHealth-accredited ABTC or hospital. Over 700 facilities nationwide are accredited for the Animal Bite Treatment Package.
  2. Bring your PhilHealth ID or MDR number. If you do not have it memorized, you can look it up at philhealth.gov.ph or call the PhilHealth hotline at 8441-7442.
  3. Present your PhilHealth information at the time of registration. The accredited facility will process the claim directly.
  4. No balance billing at government facilities. At government ABTCs, the treatment is already free, so PhilHealth coverage does not change your out-of-pocket cost.
  5. At private hospitals, the ₱5,850 PhilHealth benefit is deducted from your total bill. Any remaining amount is your co-payment.

PhilHealth Coverage Example

If you are treated at a private hospital for a Category III bite:

  • Total hospital bill: ₱15,000
  • PhilHealth Animal Bite Treatment Package: -₱5,850
  • Your co-payment: ₱9,150

If you are treated at a government ABTC:

  • Total cost: ₱0 (already free)
  • PhilHealth benefit may still be applied to cover any incidental costs

Prevention Tips

While knowing where to get treatment is important, preventing animal bites in the first place is even better. Here are practical steps to reduce your risk:

For Pet Owners

  • Vaccinate your pets. Philippine law (Republic Act 9482, the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007) requires all pet dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Local government units offer free or low-cost vaccination drives throughout the year.
  • Keep pets leashed or confined. Do not allow dogs to roam freely, especially in public areas.
  • Spay or neuter your pets. This reduces roaming behavior and aggression.
  • Bring your pet to the vet for annual check-ups and keep vaccination records updated.

For Everyone

  • Do not approach or touch stray animals. Even if a stray dog or cat appears friendly, it may be carrying rabies without showing obvious symptoms.
  • Do not disturb animals that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies/kittens. Animals are more likely to bite when startled or protecting their food or offspring.
  • Teach children to be cautious around animals. Children are the most common victims of animal bites because they play closely with dogs and may not recognize warning signs of aggression.
  • Do not attempt to separate fighting animals. You are likely to get bitten in the process.
  • Avoid contact with bats. Bats are a known rabies reservoir. If you find a bat in your home, do not handle it with bare hands.
  • Report stray animals to your barangay or local animal control office. Many local government units have programs for stray animal management.

If You Travel to Rural Areas

  • Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination. If you frequently travel to remote areas where access to treatment centers is limited, pre-exposure vaccination (three doses on Day 0, 7, and 21-28) simplifies post-exposure treatment and eliminates the need for RIG.
  • Carry soap and antiseptic in your travel kit in case of an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if bitten by a dog?

Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes. This is the most critical first aid step and should be done before anything else. After washing, apply antiseptic (povidone-iodine or 70% alcohol) to the wound. Then go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center or hospital emergency room without delay. Do not wait for the dog to show signs of rabies. Do not apply herbal remedies or traditional treatments. If the dog is a pet, ask the owner about its vaccination status and have the animal confined for observation for 14 days. Bring this information to the ABTC.

Is anti-rabies treatment free in the Philippines?

Yes. All government Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) provide anti-rabies vaccines free of charge. This includes wound assessment, wound cleaning, tetanus prophylaxis, and the full course of anti-rabies vaccine. You do not need PhilHealth membership, an ID, or a referral. Walk-in patients are accepted. Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is also provided free at government centers when stock is available, though supply can be limited due to high demand. There are over 700 DOH-accredited ABTCs across the Philippines. If you choose to go to a private hospital instead, you will be charged for the vaccine and other services, but PhilHealth covers up to ₱5,850 through the Animal Bite Treatment Package.

How many anti-rabies shots do I need?

For a person who has never been vaccinated against rabies before, the standard post-exposure course is four doses given on Day 0, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14-28. The exact schedule depends on the regimen used by the facility (Essen intramuscular or Thai Red Cross intradermal). If you have been previously vaccinated (either pre-exposure or a completed post-exposure course), you only need two booster doses on Day 0 and Day 3, and you do not need RIG. For Category III exposures, you also receive Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) on Day 0 in addition to the vaccine course.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a scheduled dose, go to the ABTC as soon as possible to receive the missed dose. Do not restart the entire series. The ABTC staff will adjust your schedule based on how many days have passed. Minor delays of a few days are generally manageable, but longer delays reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and may leave you unprotected. Missing doses is one of the most common reasons for treatment failure. Set reminders on your phone for each scheduled dose, and prioritize attending every appointment. If you cannot return to the same ABTC, you can continue your vaccination at a different accredited facility -- just bring your vaccination card.

Can I get rabies from a cat scratch?

Yes. Cats can carry and transmit the rabies virus. A cat scratch that breaks the skin and causes bleeding is classified as a Category III exposure and requires the full course of treatment including Rabies Immunoglobulin. Even a cat scratch without bleeding (Category II) requires wound washing and the anti-rabies vaccine series. Cats are the second most common source of rabies exposure in the Philippines after dogs. Do not assume that a cat scratch is harmless. If a cat scratches you and breaks your skin, wash the wound with soap and water and go to an ABTC for assessment.

Where is the nearest animal bite center?

The fastest way to find your nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center is to contact your city or municipal health office. You can also call the DOH hotline at 1555 for assistance. In Metro Manila, the major ABTCs are at San Lazaro Hospital (Manila), East Avenue Medical Center (Quezon City), Philippine General Hospital (Manila), and RITM (Muntinlupa). In the Visayas, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Cebu City) and Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City) operate ABTCs. In Mindanao, Southern Philippines Medical Center (Davao City) and Davao Regional Medical Center (Tagum City) are primary treatment centers. Most city health offices also operate their own ABTCs. You can search for animal bite treatment centers on ClinicFinderPH to find the one nearest to your location.

Conclusion

Animal bites are a serious public health concern in the Philippines, but they do not have to be fatal. The DOH's nationwide network of over 700 Animal Bite Treatment Centers ensures that free, life-saving anti-rabies treatment is accessible across the country. The key to survival after a potential rabies exposure is speed: wash the wound immediately, then get to a treatment center on the same day.

Government ABTCs provide the complete course of anti-rabies vaccine at no cost. PhilHealth covers up to ₱5,850 at accredited private facilities for those who prefer that option. Regardless of where you go, do not delay treatment and do not skip doses.

If you or someone you know has been bitten by an animal, act immediately. Wash the wound with soap and water for 10-15 minutes, and go to the nearest ABTC or hospital emergency room. Rabies is preventable -- but only if you act in time.

Find the nearest animal bite treatment center on ClinicFinderPH