What to Do If You’re Bitten by an Animal — And What Pet Owners Should Know
An animal bite can be both painful and alarming—but knowing what steps to take can protect your health and prevent the spread of disease. Every year, Howard County records over 600 animal bite incidents, and several animals test positive for rabies. Swift medical and administrative action helps reduce risk and support public safety.
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a pet or wild animal that may have rabies
• Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.
• Seek medical attention promptly, either at an emergency room or from a healthcare provider.
• Report the bite to the Howard County Community Hygiene Program at 410-313-1773 (business hours), or to the After-Hours Emergency Line at 410-313-2929 on evenings, weekends or holidays.
An Environmental Health Specialist or Community Health Nurse is available 24/7 to follow up on reports. Rabies prevention information is available at www.howardcountymd.gov/health/report-animal-bite.
If bitten by a stranger’s pet, gather contact information from the owner. The Health Department may follow up to verify rabies vaccinations and determine whether a 10-day quarantine is needed. The Department does not confiscate pets in these cases but must confirm that the animal is healthy and rabies-free to avoid unnecessary post-exposure treatment.
When an animal bite or scratch breaks the skin, the pet must be quarantined—kept indoors or in an enclosed space and separated from other people or animals. This allows the Health Department to monitor for symptoms of rabies with the help of the pet’s owners.
Howard County Animal Control Laws establish standards for responsible pet ownership:
- Rabies Vaccination: Dogs, cats and ferrets aged four months and older must have current rabies vaccinations.
- Licensing: Pet owners must purchase annual licenses for dogs and cats. Pets must wear a license tag, unless they are microchipped, ear tagged or tattooed.
- Leash Laws: Pets must be leashed and under control when not on the owner’s property. Owners must remove pet waste immediately in public spaces.
- Behavior and Safety: Domesticated animals must not threaten people or other animals. Threatening behavior includes attacking, endangering health, or interfering with a person’s movement in public.
Violations may result in civil citations ($25–$500), criminal penalties of up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine, and possible pet impoundment or hearings before the Animal Matters Hearing Board. By knowing what to do after a bite and understanding local laws, residents can support safety, accountability and public health across our community. For more information about animal control in the county, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/animal-control.
