All animal bites from a dog (or cat) are required to be reported as part of Butte County's Public Health and Rabies Prevention Programs. If you have been bitten by a dog or cat whether you own the pet or not, and the bite breaks the skin, please seek medical attention if necessary. The health care center you visit is required to report animal bites for your protection as well as the animals. They will complete the animal bite report form and submit it to the appropriate agency.
If the skin was broken and you do not feel the need for medical treatment, you should clean the wound with soap and water and watch for any infection. Please complete and submit the Animal Bite Report (PDF) so we can try to locate the dog or cat. Animal Control will respond and attempt to secure the animal for observation and confirm rabies vaccination status. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to keep the public and our animals safe.
Animal Bite Facts
- Skin-breaking bites from other mammals should also be reported.
- Medical Providers and Veterinary Clinics are required to report all bites from mammals.