What To Do If You Are Bitten or Scratched by a Domestic Animal

Animal bites and scratches can be frightening, but knowing what to do immediately after an incident is the key to ensuring your safety and helping Sumter County Animal Services (SCAS) respond quickly and effectively.

1. Seek Medical Attention First

If you are bitten or scratched by any domestic animal—dog, cat, or other household pet—seek medical attention immediately. Even small wounds can lead to infection, and medical professionals will determine if additional care, such as a rabies post-exposure vaccine, is necessary.

Your healthcare provider will also complete a bite report as required by Florida law, which helps coordinate follow-up between the Department of Health and SCAS.

2. Contact Sumter County Animal Services

Once you are safe and have received medical attention, call Sumter County Animal Services to report the incident.

Our team will document the event, verify rabies vaccination status, and begin the state-mandated 10-day rabies observation process.

To contact SCAS review this article. 

3. Gather Information About the Animal

While waiting for Animal Services to arrive, try to collect as much information as possible about the animal and its owner, including:

• The pet’s description (species, breed, color, size, and distinguishing features)
• The address or location where the animal lives or was last seen
• The animal owner’s name and contact information, if known
• Any witnesses to the incident

This information greatly assists officers in locating the animal and confirming vaccination records quickly.

4. Rabies Quarantine Procedure

Once the animal is located, it will be placed in a 10-day rabies quarantine as required under Florida law.

• The quarantine may occur at the owner’s residence if secure confinement is possible, or at SCAS kennels (boarding fees may apply).
• During the quarantine, the animal is monitored for any signs or symptoms of rabies.
• At the end of the 10-day period, an Animal Control Officer will re-evaluate the animal to ensure it remains healthy and symptom-free.

SCAS will then report the findings to the Florida Department of Health, which uses this confirmation to clear the rabies concern and close the case.

5. Dangerous Dog Investigation

If the bite or attack was unprovoked and meets the parameters of Florida State Statute 767, Animal Control Officers will initiate a Dangerous Dog Investigation.
This process involves:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Reviewing bite history
• Evaluating circumstances of the attack
• Determining if the animal meets legal criteria for dangerous classification

Any determination is made in accordance with state law, ensuring due process for the animal owner and safety for the public.

6. Prevention and Awareness

SCAS encourages residents to report all animal bites and scratches promptly. Quick reporting protects both people and pets, ensuring that health officials can verify vaccination status and prevent unnecessary rabies treatments.

Responsible pet ownership—including current rabies vaccination, proper restraint, and supervision—remains the best prevention against future incidents.