Reliable data is required on diseases like rabies by policy makers and professionals. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the situation of rabies in and around Addis Ababa using retrospective data obtained during 2008 to 2011. Besides, a questionnaire was used to generate information on factors associated with the occurrence of rabies. A total of 935 brain samples from different species of animals were examined for rabies virus antigen during 2008 to 2011, of which 77.6% (n = 726) of them were tested positive. The highest proportion, 87.2% (n = 633) of the positive cases, was recorded in dogs followed by cats, 5.1% (n = 37). Between the years 2008 and 2011, a total of 1,088 dogs were examined for rabies, of which 801 (73.62%) were confirmed to be rabid. The proportion of rabid female dogs (87.5%) was higher than that of males (73.44%), and dogs 3 to 12 months old were diagnosed with rabies more frequently (76.6%) than dogs belonging to other age category. The highest proportion of rabid dogs was recorded in dogs whose ownership was not known followed by ownerless dogs. Rabies cases were confirmed both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated dogs. The number of confirmed rabies cases was higher during September and lower during November. Significant variation was seen among years in occurrence of rabies. The study shows that the principal vector of rabies in Addis Ababa and its surroundings, but most likely in entire Ethiopia, is the dog. Effective rabies management and control based on confirmed cases is recommended.