Animal Bites

Find your local Harris County Animal Control Agency here.

What should I do if...

An animal has bitten or scratched me and caused me to bleed?

Take note of the appearance/description of the animal and owner contact information
Wash the area with soap and water
Report the bite to the local animal control
Your local animal control will take a report on the bite
Get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last 10 years
Go to a health care provider if the bite is severe

Download a Guide about Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis for People

My pet has been bitten or scratched by a high risk rabies carrier?

High risk rabies carriers are bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes
Try to confine the animal, without touching it, so it can be tested for rabies
Report the contact to your veterinarian and your local animal control agency
- Houston/Harris County Area Animal Control Agencies
It's important to keep current vaccinations for your cats, dogs and other animals!

Download a guide about Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Animals.

I have found a bat?

If a bat may have had physical contact with a person or a pet (or if you are not sure), do not release the bat
Safely confine the bat bat safety in your home | hogar seguro sin murciélagos
With the bat confined, contact your local animal control agency for instructions. See the list of Houston/Harris County Area Animal Control Agencies

Rabies is spread by a bite or scratch from an infected mammal. It is important to understand that animal bites may need immediate medical care but rabies prevention treatment is rarely an emergency. Rabies prevention treatment can be discussed when the bite is reported. Reports of animal bites should be done within 24 hours. The animal should be confined for a veterinary exam or testing if possible.