Scabies: Getting It From Animals-Topic Overview. Animal-transmitted scabies is most commonly spread by dogs that have sarcoptic mange. This type of scabies also may be spread by the mites of other domestic animals. 1  The mites are transferred to people who have contact with the infested animal. 2  The mites spread to areas on the body that are exposed to the animal, especially the arms, thighs, and abdomen.