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Animal Bites

Has your pet bitten someone?

  • Confine the pet for ten days to observe for signs of rabies. This must be done if the pet has or has not been vaccinated.

  • Vaccinated pets may be confined at home.

  • Unvaccinated dogs or cats MUST be held at a veterinarian's office or at Chatham County Animal Services Shelter. The confinement must be for 10 full days after the bite. It is at the owner's expense. If the cat or dog is healthy at the end of the observation period, they could not have transmitted the rabies virus during the bite. If your pet needs to be quarantined longer than 10 days, it must be boarded at a veterinarian's office at the owner's expense.

  • After the 10 day confinement, the dog or cat can get a rabies vaccination.

  • Proper vaccination for rabies can not only save your pet from a case of rabies if it is bitten by a wild or rabid animal, it can also prevent unnecessary expense if your pet bites someone else.

Have you been bitten?

  • An animal bite is often a frightening experience. Knowing what to do after the bite is very important.

    1. Wash the wound with soap and water

    2. See your doctor for medical care

    3. Report bite to Animal Services at (912) 652-6575 or fax information to (912) 201-4399

    4. Ask the owner for PROOF of rabies vaccination. Do not just take their word for it, ask to see their paperwork.

    5. Report the bite to the local Police Department. A report is necessary.

  • The police can call Animal Services for assistance, even on weekends!

  • If the bite requires hospital emergency room treatment, please seek prompt medical attention first. A police officer at the hospital will make a report and call Animal Services to respond.

Be bite wise!

  • Never approach a wild or stray animal.

  • Always ask the owner if it is OK to pet their dog before you try to pet their dog.

  • Never look eye to eye with a dog that is approaching you, look away!

  • If a dog is running up to you, stand very still like a tree, do not wave your arms.

  • If a dog jumps at you and knocks you down, act like you are a log. Cover your head with your hands and stay very still.

  • Always tell an adult if you have been bitten.