The annual Rabies Awareness and Prevention Poster Contest is a fun and creative way to educate youth about the importance of vaccinating pets, rabies risks, and ways to prevent rabies exposures and infections.  This contest is a way for students to show their artistic talents, while also demonstrating to peers and teachers what they learned about rabies risks and prevention.  Posters must be submitted by an adult facilitator, who will serve as a representative of the class/organization submitting the artwork. Texas students in K-12th grade are encouraged to participate, as submissions will be accepted from the following groups:

• Public schools
• Private and charter schools
• After school programs
• Homeschool groups
• Youth organizations (e.g. FFA, Boy Scouts, etc.)

Adult facilitators may submit student art posters beginning on Monday March 2, 2026.  All posters must be postmarked and mailed no later than Friday April 3, 2026.  Contest finalists and winners will be selected before April 30, 2026.   For more information about rabies awareness, see Protect People Protect Bats and Rabies Prevention in the United States.

Prizes are sponsored by the Zach Jones Memorial Fund.

Prize details:

• Prizes will be selected February 2026 
• One kindergarten winner for best hand drawn art will receive several small gifts.
  • Examples of previous gifts include puzzles, activity books, stuffed animals, stickers.
• There will be first, second, and third place winners from three categories for hand drawn art:  1^st-2^nd grade, 3^rd-5^th grade, and 6^th-8^th grade. 
  • Examples of previous gifts include binoculars, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, LEGO sets, art sets, iPads, and gift cards.
• There will be one winner for best digital art for 6^th-8^th grade. The winner will receive a generous gift card.
• There will be two winners for high school, one for best digital art and one for best hand drawn art. Each winner will receive a generous gift card.
   

• Contest Instructions for Adult Facilitators (K-12^th) 
• Entry Form
• Student Information and Instructions (K-8^th) 
• Rabies Activity Sheet (K-5^th)
  • Adult facilitators, email the.vet@dshs.texas.gov if you would like a key to the activity sheet!
• Student Information and Instructions (High School)
   

View the 2025 Rabies Awareness and Prevention Poster Contest Winners.

• View past winner's posters

If you have questions contact the.vet@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-7676.