Animal Bites
Oakland Animal Services has two main responsibilities when handling animal bites:
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Coordinate with Alameda County Vector Control to ensure that the immediate concern regarding rabies is addressed. In cases where animals that could carry rabies have bitten a person in Oakland, we will either quarantine the animal at the animal shelter or at the owner’s home. This quarantine is for a period of 10 days and allows us to see if the animal shows any signs of rabies. If, after the quarantine period, the animal is healthy, then the victim of the bite no longer needs to worry about an exposure to rabies. In some cases, it may be necessary for us to assist with having the biting animal tested for rabies post mortem.
Oakland Animal Services oversees the dog licensing program for the City of Oakland. This program is critical for controlling rabies by making sure dogs over four months of age have a current rabies vaccination and a microchip.
- Investigate and follow up on dog bites where the dog may pose a threat to the public’s safety. Oakland Animal Services follows Oakland’s municipal code 6.08 (link to laws website) to determine when dogs should be designated potentially dangerous or vicious.
