A Backyard Encounter: Why Rabies Vaccination Matters for Pets and Families in Dubuque and PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic

It was just an ordinary afternoon. The sun was shining, the breeze was soft, and a playful golden retriever was happily exploring his Dubuque backyard. Nose to the ground, tail wagging, he didn’t notice the small bat clinging low to a tree trunk. 

And neither did his owner… until the dog gave it a curious nudge.

Luckily for this innocent golden, his owner had kept up with his rabies vaccination at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic. Because even a simple moment like that — a playful poke at a bat, a scratch, or an accidental nip — can carry life-altering consequences.

Here in Dubuque County, we share our neighborhoods with skunks, raccoons, and bats — the primary carriers of rabies in our area. Even if your pet stays close to home, rabies exposure is never as far away as we might think. Just this year, in 2025, a kitten tested positive for rabies right here in Dubuque County. It’s a reminder that rabies isn’t just a scary word from the past. It’s real. It’s here. And it’s always fatal once symptoms start.
But it’s also preventable — with one simple step: vaccination.

The Power of a Simple Vaccine

At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we believe vaccines are more than a health requirement. They’re a promise — a promise to protect not only your pets, but your family and your entire community. In Iowa, it’s the law that every dog must be vaccinated against rabies. In the city of Dubuque, the same is true for cats. These laws exist because rabies doesn’t just affect pets — it threatens human lives, too.

When you bring your dog in for his rabies vaccine, or your cat for her booster shot, you’re doing more than checking off a box. You’re creating a safety net that stretches from your home to your neighborhood to every corner of our city. And it really is that easy. A quick appointment at PetMed, a safe and effective vaccination, and your beloved pet is protected for years to come.

Why It Matters — Even for Indoor Pets

We hear it often:
“My cat never goes outside.”
“My dog is always on a leash.”
And yet, bats find their way inside homes every year. Wildlife wanders into backyards every day. One slip of a door, one unexpected encounter — and an unvaccinated pet is suddenly at risk. By keeping your pets vaccinated at PetMed of Key West, you’re preparing for the unexpected — the kind of quiet, ordinary moment that could otherwise turn tragic.

A Community Effort

Rabies prevention isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a community effort. Every pet that is vaccinated creates a stronger shield around Dubuque families. Every appointment at PetMed of Key West strengthens that bond of protection. It’s love. It’s responsibility. And it’s a simple, profound way we can all care for the place we call home.

Is Your Pet Protected?

If you’re unsure when your pet’s last rabies vaccine was given — or if it’s time for a booster — call PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic today. Our team is here to make the process easy, quick, and stress-free. Your pet’s health, your family’s safety, and our community’s well-being are worth it. Because sometimes, all it takes is a curious sniff on a sunny afternoon to remind us why vaccination matters.