What do I do it my pet bites someone?

Tell the person bitten to see a doctor immediately. Report the bite to Animal Services at 757-890-3601 and the local health department. In Williamsburg, 757-603-4277 and all other areas on the Virginia lower Peninsula, 757-594-7340.

If your pet is a dog or cat, they will have you confine the animal and watch it closely for 10 days. Report any illness or unusual behavior to your local health department and veterinarian immediately. Don’t let the animal stray, and don’t give the animal away. It must be available for observation by public health authorities.

Don’t kill your pet or allow it to be killed unless you have been instructed to do so by the public health authorities or a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian to find out if your pet has a current vaccination. After the recommended observation period, have your pet vaccinated for rabies if it does not have a current rabies vaccination.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I purchase a dog license?
2. Are cats required to be licensed?
3. What if I or someone I know are missing a pet?
4. Does Animal Control take care of spiders, mice, lizards, or flying and buzzing insect pests?
5. What do I do if I find a dead animal?
6. What do I do if I am bitten by an animal?
7. What do I do it my pet bites someone?
8. What is rabies?
9. Can humans have rabies?
10. What can I do to help control rabies?
11. Who is responsible for enforcing wildlife related laws?
12. What if I experience nuisance wildlife at my home or in my area?
13. Is caring for injured or orphaned wildlife a good idea?
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