Deal with an Animal Bite: Advice from an Animal Control Officer

If you are bitten by an animal the first step is to ensure your safety and prevent further bites. If it is a wild animal or a domestic animal where the owner is unknown contact your local police and/or animal control right away. See if it is possible if they can capture and contain the animal for observation or if the animal is sick and suspected to have rabies, euthanized and submitted for testing.

Immediately wash out the wound with plenty of soap and water. The point of this step is to wash out any saliva and germs that have been introduced into the wound.

Contact your physician or go to your local emergency room. Tell them what type of animal bit you and identify the location of the animal. If you are positive that the animal that bit you is currently vaccinated for the rabies virus (you have seen legal documentation of it, for example a rabies certificate issued by a veterinarian) then be sure to tell your doctor. Be sure to follow through with any treatments or medications that are prescribed to you, even if you are feeling better or your symptoms have subsided.

Report the bite to the local health department and animal control so that the proper quarantine for the biting animal can be done.