What should I do if my pet or I am exposed to an animal that might have rabies?

If you have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to an animal’s saliva

  • Wash the wound right away with soap and water for ten minutes.
  • Call your doctor or a hospital emergency room.
  • Get a description of the animal that bit or scratched you.
  • Call you local animal control officer (through the police department or the Board of Health) for assistance. The animal that bit or scratched you may have to be tested for rabies or quarantined.

If your pet has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to an animal’s saliva

  • 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 wound. Do not touch your pet with your bare hands. There may be saliva from the rabid animal still on your pet, even if you don’t see a bite or wound.
  • Call your veterinarian
  • Call your local animal control officer. He or she will know the right steps to protect you and your pet.

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