Chicago confirms first rabies-positive dog in Illinois in decades, 13 exposed

Chicago dog tests positive for rabies, first in decades

PAWS Chicago confirmed that a dog that tested positive for rabies was in their care this summer.

CHICAGO - A dog in Chicago has tested positive for rabies, and 13 people are known to have been exposed, according to health officials. 

PAWS Chicago confirmed with Fox Chicago that the dog was in their care earlier this year, and once again in December.

What we know:

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control confirmed the positive rabies case Tuesday.

Officials said this is the first rabies-positive dog identified in Cook County since before 1964 and the first in Illinois since 1994.

The dog was vaccinated for rabies in June but experienced a "marked change in behavior" on Dec. 16. The animal was euthanized and tested for rabies.

PAWS Chicago released a statement to Fox Chicago saying:

"We have taken proactive steps focused on the health and safety of anyone in contact with the dog. We are working closely with public health authorities to provide all relevant history and clinical information regarding this animal.

Animals are beloved members of our families, and we are deeply saddened to learn of this case within our adoptive community. PAWS Chicago has been operating for 27 years – adopting out over 91,000 pets and spaying/neutering over 300,000 pets. This condition is extremely rare, and PAWS Chicago has never experienced this situation before. Our veterinary team’s decades of specialized training and hands-on experience are guiding our organization.

The rabies virus sheds for at most 10 days prior to symptoms. As a result, only people in direct contact with this dog in December 2025 may be at risk. We have been in proactive communication with the five individuals at PAWS who encountered this dog during the period of possible contagion. No PAWS animals or volunteers were in contact with the dog in December."

Bow Wow Lounge, an animal boarding, daycare and grooming facility, also released a statement Tuesday confirming the dog that tested positive was at the facility. However, the press release didn't release the timeline.

Laboratory testing confirmed rabies on Dec. 19. Samples are still undergoing further analysis to determine the specific strain of the virus and identify potential exposure sources.

Pet owners whose animals may have had contact with the dog are being notified so quarantine periods can begin and rabies booster vaccinations can be administered.

Health officials emphasized that the risk of rabies to the general public and pets remains low.

The dog was born in Georgia before being transferred to a Chicago rescue organization. It was vaccinated for rabies and later adopted by a Chicago family.  

The department continues to investigate how the dog contracted rabies.

What they're saying:

The City of Chicago issued this statement on the positive rabies case, shared below: 

"A vaccinated dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies and was later euthanized. We are gathering additional information regarding the vaccination and the source of exposure.

"All required protocols have been followed. Most importantly, there is no immediate risk to the general population and no call to action at this time."

How serious is rabies? :

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease, officials said. It spreads from infected animals to humans through saliva, most commonly via bites.

Transmission can also occur if saliva from a rabid animal enters an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Rabies does not spread through contact with contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, nor through petting an infected animal.

The incubation period can range from several weeks to more than a year.

What you can do:

Residents are encouraged to check their pets’ rabies vaccination status. If vaccinations are overdue, officials urge contacting a veterinarian.

To learn more about rabies, follow this link.