When bites occur, it can be a serious and scary situation. Rabies is a serious neurological disease that can affect all mammals and is the primary concern when bites happen. Texas law has strict regulations on how bite situations are addressed.
When a bite causes injury to a human where medical attention is necessary, a police report is made and the pet will be required to be quarantined regardless of vaccination status. In many cases, if the pet is up to date on their rabies vaccination, they have the option of quarantining at home. In some cases, or those where rabies vaccination is not up to date or rabies vaccine status is unknown, pets will need to be quarantined in an approved facility. Katy Pet Wellness Solutions is available as a quarantine site.
Quarantined animals receive a complete physical exam upon entry. A trained professional that carefully monitors behavior and looks for signs or symptoms of disease then cares for them for the duration of their quarantine. They stay separate from other animals and people in the facility, but their needs are met with access to food water and bathroom facilities (walks or a litter box). After 240 hours, or 10 days, they receive another complete physical exam. If they continue to be free of symptoms, they will receive their rabies vaccine if needed and they can return home to their families. Pets that are quarantined at home will also receive a complete physical exam at the start and at the end of the quarantine where the owner is required to bring the pet for the exams.
Some pets may also find themselves in situations where there is potential for rabies exposure. Altercations with other pets or contact with wild animals can be a source of added risk of exposure. If your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccine, there is low risk of contracting the disease. Some situations may present an increased concern, however. If your pet’s rabies vaccination is not up to date, the other animal has an unknown rabies vaccination status, or the other animal is a wild animal considered a primary rabies vector (bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, or foxes), your pet may be at increased risk. Our veterinarian can examine your pet and offer recommendations on how to proceed further based on the individual situation.
If you have any questions about rabies quarantine or possible exposure, call us for recommendations on how to proceed and to schedule an appointment.