SAN ANTONIO – Keeping your pets up to date on their vaccines could save their lives, a reminder that has taken on new urgency after Bexar County confirmed its first case of rabies in a pet dog in more than a decade.
The case involved a male Husky mix that killed a baby skunk in late July near its family’s Far Westside home inside Loop 1604. The encounter was not reported at the time.
Weeks later, the dog began showing behavioral and neurological symptoms and ultimately tested positive for rabies on Aug. 18.
The case highlights why rabies vaccinations are especially important for pets that could come into contact with wildlife.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can infect both animals and people. It is commonly carried by wildlife such as skunks, bats, foxes and raccoons. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
The risk has also increased locally this summer. San Antonio and Bexar County reported 22 rabies cases in wild animals during June and July, a sharp increase from the two to three cases reported during the same two-month period in both 2024 and 2025.
Animal health officials are urging pet owners to make sure dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations and to keep pets from roaming freely or interacting with wildlife.
For pet owners who need to get their animals vaccinated, San Antonio Animal Care Services will hold a free vaccination clinic Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Monterrey Park, 5919 W. Commerce St.
The clinic is open to San Antonio residents and will provide free rabies shots and other vaccinations to the first 100 pets.