Animal Bites

Report Bites

Contact the Police Department at 262-446-5070 to report an animal bite.

If Your Animal Has Bitten Someone

If your animal bites somebody you will be advised to quarantine the animal for 10 days. You are responsible for all expenses while the animal is quarantined.

Rabies vaccinated animals will be viewed by a certified humane animal specialist or licensed veterinarian:

• On the first day following the bite
• On the last day of the quarantine period
• On one intervening day

If the animal has not been vaccinated:

• Deliver the animal to an isolation facility (not your home) or a veterinary clinic within 24 hours for the 10-day quarantine period
• The animal will not be released until it receives a rabies vaccination

Animal to Animal Bites

If your dog or cat bit, or was bitten by, another animal and: Is vaccinated for rabies:

• The animal must be leashed or confined for 60 days
• The animal must be re-vaccinated against rabies as soon as possible after exposure to a rabid or unknown animal

Is not vaccinated for rabies:

• The animal must be leashed or confined for 180 days
• The animal must be vaccinated against rabies between 155 and 165 days after the exposure to a rabid or unknown animal

Other Animals

There are no established protocols for quarantine of ferrets, wolf hybrids, hedge hogs, pot-bellied pigs, or exotic pets. It is recommended that if human exposure occurs, that these animals are tested for rabies right away. Please contact the Waukesha County Department of Environmental Health at 262-896-8300.

The police will investigate all animal bites to ensure that the animals are properly licensed and document any indications of vicious animals or animals at large. If you are found in violation, enforcement action may be taken against you.

More Information

For more information, please refer to Chapter 14, municipal code.