Animal Bites & Rabies
Report an Animal Bite
Ohio law requires that all animal bites be reported to the local health department within 24 hours. This is critical for the prevention of Rabies and to ensure the safety of our community.
Note: If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Important Information for Bite Victims
Immediate Steps
Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss the need for a tetanus booster or rabies post-exposure treatment.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.
Quarantine Process
Most domestic animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) that bite a human must be quarantined for 10 days to observe for signs of rabies. A sanitarian will contact the owner to provide specific instructions.
Information Needed for the Report
Please have as much of the following information ready as possible before starting your Accela submission:
- Victim Information
- Name, Age, and Contact Information
- Date and Time the bite occurred
- Location where the bite occurred
- Body part(s) bitten or scratched
- Animal Description
- Species (Dog, Cat, Wildlife, etc.)
- Breed, Color, and Size
- Animal’s name (if known)
- Owner Information
- Owner’s Name and Address
- Owner’s Phone Number
- Animal’s Vaccination Status (if known)
- Medical Treatment
- Name of the Doctor or Hospital visited
- Treatment received (Stitches, Tetanus, etc.)