Animal health workers are a high-risk population for rabies exposure. Rabies prevention recommendations have been developed for this population; however, adherence to these recommendations is not thought to be high based on previous studies. Over the course of two manuscripts this dissertation will investigate the level of rabies exposure risk among animal health workers and their adherence to current recommendations regarding rabies vaccination and serological monitoring. In addition, a systematic review will provide evidence regarding the current pre-exposure vaccination (preEV) administration schedules and alternative routes and schedules evaluated over the previous 50 years.Over 2,300 persons participated in the survey of animal health providers consisting of animal control officers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and wildlife rehabilitators. Bite rates were very high in this population (0.77 bites / person year), as well as potential rabies exposures resulting in PEP (1.07/100 person years). Veterinarians reported a highrate of rabies vaccination (98%); however, 20-30% of the other groups had never been vaccinated. Similarly 30-40% of all groups were not up-to-date on serological monitoring. Awareness of an employer policy requiring rabies vaccination or serological monitoring was strongly associated with adherence to recommendations.A total of 51 articles were selected for the systematic review after critical assessment. Primary seroconversion rates (SCR) for cohorts receiving vaccine by the intramuscular route were high and consistent regardless of the vaccine or regimen received. In contrast, cohorts receiving vaccine by the intradermal route reported lower SCRs, and significant heterogeneity was identified between cohorts. However, among cohorts receiving a booster vaccine dose, all subjects responded with an anamnestic response regardless of vaccine, route, regimen, time since vaccination, or titer at time of booster.The findings of these studies will help develop future recommendations related to rabies preEV. In particular, targeted outreach to high-risk groups including their training institutions and employers may improve adherence to rabies vaccination recommendations. Presentation of these recommendations to national advisory committees may also be of value to update current vaccination recommendations from the 21-28 day schedule to a shortened 7-day schedule, and re-evaluate the frequency of routine serological monitoring among certain risk populations.