Office of Communicable Diseases

What to do if Your Pet is Bitten or Scratched by another Animal

Try to find out what type of animal bit or scratched your pet. DO NOT TOUCH THE ATTACKING ANIMAL.

Use gloves or a hose to wash your pet’s wounds. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PET WITH BARE HANDS. There may be saliva from the rabid animal still on your pet.

Call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound is superficial.

Call the animal control officer at the police department and the Department of Health (222-2577).

Remember, animals cannot receive postexposure treatment for rabies. That is why it is vitally important that your animals are vaccinated and boosters kept up to date.

Back to Rabies