Resources

Bite Prevention

Animal Bites and Rabies Prevention

Prevent Bites

  • Do not touch or approach an unknown animal
  • Call your Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) if you encounter a sick or injured animal
  • Do not allow pets to roam freely
  • Train and socialize pets to be calm around people
  • Educate children about bite prevention
  • Children are the most common victims of severe dog bites
  • If taking a walk, pay attention to surroundings
  • Avoid free roaming animals by crossing the street or taking a different path
  • Avoid using headphones or lower the volume so you can hear an approaching animal

If Bitten

  • Identify animal for quarantine or rabies testing
  • Wash wounds thoroughly with soap and water
  • Seek medical attention
  • Wounds may be infected
  • Rabies post exposure prophylaxis may be needed
  • Contact your Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA)

Who is your Local Rabies Control Authority — LRCA?

  • Animal Control
  • County Sheriff
  • Police Department

Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pets

Dogs and cats are lawfully required to be vaccinated by a veterinarian by four months of age. Your veterinarian will determine a rabies vaccination schedule.

Rabies Quarantine

Determined by LRCA

  • Rabies quarantine facility inspected by DSHS (Department State of Health Services)
  • Veterinary hospital
  • At home

Rabies Post-Exposure

A consultation is done to determine the need for post exposure prophylaxis. Consultations are done by:

  • Amarillo Public Health Communicable Disease Department
  • Physician’s office
  • DSHS

Rabies Public Health Contact Information