Actual Bite to a Person

If a person has been bitten by a domestic animal such as a dog, cat, or ferret, the animal must be observed and/or quarantined for 10days from the bite date at the owners expense.

If a person has been bitten by a wild animal and the animal is contained, it must be euthanized (destroyed) and tested by the state laboratory. It is important that the animal's head remain intact so shooting in the head is not acceptable.

Dog/Cat/Ferret Exposure to a Rabid Animal

The first choice if a domestic animal has been exposed to a rabid animal is to euthanize it immediately unless a long and well documented rabies vaccination history can be ascertained.

The alternative for animals that are unvaccinated or have questionable vaccinations is to begin a strictly enforced 6-month quarantine and revaccinate at 5 months. This quarantine would have to be at a state approved facility at the owners expense.

The alternative for animals that have been vaccinated is to revaccinate immediately and quarantine at home for 45days.

Other Domestic Animals Exposed to a Rabid Animal

The only two choices for these animals is to either euthanize immediately or begin a strictly enforced 6-month quarantine and revaccinate at 5 months. This quarantine would have to be at a state approved facility at the owners expense.

Exotic Pets

Wolf hybrids and other exotic pets shall be handled on a case by case basis through the TN Health Department.

Home | Up

Send mail to jcanimalshelter@embarqmail.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 08/01/08