Few things worry pet parents more than seeing their dog or cat nose at a bat, catch one in the yard, or come face-to-face with one inside the house. It is a stressful moment, and for good reason. Rabies is serious, and when bats are involved, it is better to get guidance quickly rather than assume everything is fine.

This topic is especially timely around World Rabies Day, observed on September 28. It also matters close to home. In May 2026, El Paso County Public Health reported the first rabid bats of 2026 in El Paso County, including one incident involving a domestic cat that had been exposed to a bat. For pet parents in Colorado Springs and nearby communities, that makes bat encounters a real local health concern.

Why Bat Contact Should Never Be Ignored

Bats play an important role in the environment, and most bats are not rabid. Still, direct contact deserves attention. According to CDC guidance on bats and rabies, bats are the most frequently reported rabid animals in the United States, and their bites can be small enough to go unnoticed.

That means the absence of an obvious wound does not necessarily rule out an exposure. If your dog or cat caught a bat, carried one in its mouth, pawed at one, or had another type of direct contact, contact your veterinarian promptly and explain exactly what happened.

What to Do Right Away After a Bat Encounter

If you think your pet may have come into contact with a bat, stay calm and focus on preventing any additional contact.

• Keep your dog or cat away from the bat.
• Do not touch the bat with bare hands.
• Keep children and other pets away from the area.
• Do not release a bat found inside the home until you have spoken with local public health or animal control professionals.
• Write down where and when the encounter happened and what you observed.
• Contact your veterinarian promptly and be ready to share your pet’s rabies vaccination history.

If a person may also have touched, been bitten by, or been scratched by the bat, seek human medical guidance promptly. El Paso County Public Health rabies guidance explains that rabies can spread through bites, scratches, or other direct contact with infectious saliva and recommends prompt evaluation after a potential exposure.

When Your Pet Needs Prompt Veterinary Attention

Any suspected direct contact with a bat deserves veterinary guidance, even when your pet appears normal. The next steps can depend on the details of the encounter and your pet’s rabies vaccination status, so it is important not to make that determination on your own.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet bit, caught, carried, or pawed at a bat; if you find an unexplained bat near your pet; or if you are unsure whether direct contact occurred. Your veterinarian and the appropriate public health authorities can determine what actions are recommended based on the exposure.

Fillmore Veterinary Hospital provides Urgent & Sick Pet Care during regular business hours, with same-day appointments available for many urgent medical concerns.

Why Staying Current on Rabies Vaccination Matters

Rabies vaccination is an important part of protecting dogs and cats from a serious preventable disease. When El Paso County Public Health announced the first rabid bats of 2026, the agency specifically reminded residents to make sure their pets were up to date on vaccinations.

At Fillmore Veterinary Hospital, Pet Vaccines are tailored to each companion’s age, health status, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. Rabies is listed among the core vaccines for both dogs and cats.

Indoor pets should not be overlooked. Bats can enter homes through small openings, so a pet that rarely goes outside can still have an unexpected wildlife encounter. If you are unsure whether your dog or cat is current on rabies vaccination, checking with your veterinary team now can prevent uncertainty later.

Simple Ways to Reduce Future Bat Encounters

You cannot eliminate every wildlife risk, but a few practical habits can lower the chance of an unexpected encounter.

• Keep dogs leashed during walks and supervise outdoor time when possible.
• Do not allow pets to investigate grounded, injured, or unusually behaving wildlife.
• Keep cats indoors or supervise outdoor access.
• Check screens, vents, attic access points, and other openings where bats could enter the home.
• Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination current.

These steps are especially useful for families throughout Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, Falcon, and the surrounding areas, where pets and wildlife can cross paths during everyday outdoor activities.

A bat encounter is not something you need to sort out alone. If your dog or cat may have had direct contact with a bat, contact us promptly to discuss what happened and schedule an appointment when veterinary evaluation is appropriate. Fillmore Veterinary Hospital is here to help local pet families with compassionate guidance, urgent care during regular business hours, and vaccination support that keeps prevention at the center of your pet’s care.