Rabies Confirmed In Denver: Impact On Local Pets

The first two cases of rabies in 2025 were confirmed in Denver earlier this month, prompting Colorado pet owners to take precautions in order to prevent infection and the spread of the devastating disease.

In addition, stricter rules have been put into place regarding preventative measures in an attempt to minimize the risk of domesticated animals contracting and spreading rabies.

Here are some of the things Colorado pet owners should know about rabies in 2025.

Rabid Bats Discovered in Colorado in 2025

The first case of rabies in Denver in 2025 was confirmed on July 8, 2025, when a bat was discovered to be carrying the disease in the city's Sloan Lake neighborhood.

Get our free mobile app

Following this initial discovery, another rabid bat was found in the Highlands area of the metro area by a family on July 17.

Denver Animal Protection confirmed the cases, and because no contact was reported between the bats and any other animal, they were released back into the wild.

Colorado Enacts Stricter Rules for Shelters + Groomers

Because of how dangerous the disease is to pets, stricter rules for animals entering shelters or even visiting a groomer have been enacted in Colorado.

As of July 2025, any dog, cat, or ferret that enters a groomer or a shelter must be vaccinated against rabies, as well as parvovirus and distemper.

Avoid Rabies in Colorado

Denver Animal Protection recommends avoiding any contact with wild animals, especially bats, as well as vaccinations against the disease for all dogs, cats, and ferrets in order to avoid a possible infection.