Despite being entirely vaccine-preventable, rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths annually. Efforts are aiming to end human rabies deaths by 2030, yet we are witnessing resurgent outbreaks and spread to previously rabies-free regions. In this context I present insights on the dynamics of rabies from long-term contact tracing and enhanced surveillance in settings within East Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Using detailed spatiotemporal data from Tanzania I share research examining the predictability of outbreaks, ecological and sociological drivers of circulation, and potential reservoir complexities. I conclude with an outlook of new tools and approaches to support rabies elimination and build more effective One Health ways of working.