Over 400 bites are reported in Kalamazoo County alone each year.  Bites happen for a number of reasons, and the dogs or cats that bite aren't always aggressive. 

The reason why we respond to bite cases is to monitor rabies and make sure it doesn't spread.  Even if your animal is rabies vaccinated we will still need to follow up on the report. 

Reporting a bite:  If you are aware of a bite from an animal to a person please call our office at 269-383-8775, or fax us at 269-383-8713 and let us know.  We will need to know the following information:

• Victims name, address and birthday

• Owner of animals name, address and phone number

• Description of the animal

• Description of the bite, the wound and the circumstances of the bite

What to do if your animal has bitten someone:  Animal Services will need to know when someone will be home so we can take a look at the animal and make sure its healthy and place it under quarantine.  We'll follow up 10 days later to make sure its still healthy and release it from its quarantine.

What to do if you find a bat in your home:  Call Animal Services and let us know if you believe there was an exposure to any people and/or pets in the home.  Bats can bite you without you even feeling it.  If you bring in the bat, or if we pick it up from you we will send it in for testing at no charge to you. 

The following animals are not considered likely to carry rabies and will not be tested/quarantined:  chipmunk, gopher, hamster, mouse, prairie dog, rat, squirrel, gerbil, guinea pig, mole, muskrat, rabbit, shrew, vole