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1. What should I do if I am bitten by an animal?

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, follow these steps. They may save your life.

• Thoroughly wash the wound right away with soap and water, and rinse well.
• Identify the animal by kind, size, color and location.
• See a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will determine what treatment you may need.
• Report the incident to Irving Animal Services at (972) 721-2256. If the animal can be captured, it will be quarantined or tested for rabies.

2. What should I do if my pet (or any animal) bites someone?

Report the incident to Irving Animal Services at (972) 721-2256. 

Any animal that bites a person must be quarantined following state and local laws or be humanely euthanized and tested for the rabies virus. For dogs and cats, quarantine or testing is required regardless of whether they have been vaccinated for rabies. If quarantined, the observation period is ten (10) days from the date the bite occurred.

3. Who handles animal bites and potential rabies exposures in Irving?

By state law, all jurisdictions must designate someone to handle animal bite cases. This person is the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA). For the City of Irving, the LRCA is the Animal Services Manager. Contact 972-721-2256 to report animal bites in Irving.