Contributed Article/Courtesy AZGFD
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to protect themselves and their pets by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially animals that may be behaving abnormally, such as those that appear aggressive and/or lack a fear of humans.
The reminder comes as more rabies-related incidents have been reported statewide. A recent Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) report indicated that foxes and skunks were the most common species to have tested positive for rabies between January and March 2025.
Pets such as dogs and cats and livestock such as horses should be vaccinated regularly against rabies. In addition, dogs should be on leashes when outdoors, and a veterinarian should be consulted if any domestic animals are injured by wildlife. Unvaccinated animals exposed to wildlife with rabies must undergo a four-month quarantine, and vaccinated animals must be quarantined for 45 days.
“In Arizona, the principal rabies hosts are bats, skunks, and foxes,” said Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, AZGFD wildlife veterinarian. “These animals carry their own distinct strains of the rabies virus. When rabies activity within these animal groups increases, rabies can impact other mammals, such as bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses, or cows.”
To report an animal bite or an animal acting suspicious, call AZGFD at 623-236-7201. For more information, visit:
- https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-diseases-2/
- https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/rabies/
Drive-Through Rabies Clinics
Graham County
To help protect animals from rabies, the Graham County Health Department has announced a drive-through rabies clinic on Saturday, May 3. Click here for locations and times.
Greenlee County
To help protect animals from rabies, Greenlee County Animal Control has announced a drive-through rabies clinic on Saturday, April 26. Click here for locations and times.
