Dog bites can cause serious health and legal issues—not just for the victim but also for the dog and its owner. Quarantine is one of the most prevalent and important procedures after a dog bite attack. Quarantine procedures are usually imposed by state or local animal control agencies to observe the dog for rabies or other health problems. It is important for pet owners and victims to know about these requirements.
Why Quarantine After a Dog Bite?
The primary purpose of a quarantine is to determine whether the dog poses a public health risk, particularly with respect to rabies, a deadly virus that can be transmitted through saliva. If a dog that has bitten someone is suspected of having rabies or is not current on its vaccinations, quarantine helps authorities evaluate the dog’s behavior and health status.
How Long Is the Quarantine Period?
Most jurisdictions require a 10-day quarantine for a dog that bites a human. This standard is based on the incubation period of the rabies virus. During this time:
- If the dog shows no signs of rabies, it is typically cleared and returned to normal activity.
- If the dog shows symptoms or dies during quarantine, it may be tested for rabies, and post-exposure treatment may be recommended for the victim.
Some situations may warrant longer quarantine periods, especially if the animal is not vaccinated or if the incident occurs in a high-risk area.
Where Does Quarantine Take Place?
The location of quarantine may depend on several factors, including the severity of the bite, the dog’s vaccination status, and local ordinances. Common quarantine locations include:
1. At Home
If the dog is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and not considered dangerous, animal control may allow the dog to be quarantined at home under the owner’s supervision. This typically comes with strict conditions, such as:
- No contact with other animals or people outside the household
- Secure confinement indoors or in a locked yard
- Regular check-ins from animal control officers or veterinarians
2. Animal Control Facility
Dogs that are unvaccinated, stray, or deemed a potential danger may be quarantined in a municipal shelter or animal control center. These facilities provide:
- Controlled observation by trained staff
- Isolation to prevent potential disease spread
- Enforcement of local laws and documentation of the dog’s condition
3. Veterinary Facility
In some cases, dogs may be quarantined at a private veterinary clinic, especially if they need medical attention or if the owner prefers a private environment and is willing to cover the cost.
What Happens During Quarantine?
Throughout the quarantine period, the dog is monitored for:
- Changes in behavior (aggression, lethargy, confusion)
- Physical symptoms (fever, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling)
- Any signs of neurological decline, which could indicate rabies
Owners may be required to submit daily logs, allow in-person inspections, or bring the dog in for health checks during and after the period.
If the dog dies during the quarantine, a rabies test is performed on the brain tissue. This process is conducted by a state-approved lab and usually involves euthanizing the dog (if still alive) for testing, which can be traumatic and is therefore only done when necessary.
Legal Responsibilities for Owners
Dog owners are legally required to:
- Report the bite to local authorities
- Comply with quarantine orders
- Cover all related costs, including veterinary supervision or animal control fees
Failure to comply with quarantine rules can lead to legal penalties, fines, or even criminal charges if another bite or exposure occurs during the quarantine period.
Additionally, if the dog is found to be a repeat offender or classified as a dangerous or vicious dog, the owner may face additional restrictions or even mandatory euthanasia of the dog.
Victim’s Rights During Quarantine
Victims of dog bites also have rights during the quarantine process:
- They have the right to be informed of the dog’s quarantine status and location.
- They may request proof of the dog’s vaccination records.
- If the dog is not vaccinated or cannot be located, the victim may be advised to undergo rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as a precaution.
Victims may also pursue civil claims for damages against the dog owner, even while quarantine is underway.
What If the Dog Isn’t Found?
If the dog cannot be located—such as in the case of a stray or a hit-and-run attack—health officials may assume the worst-case scenario. In such cases, the victim will likely be advised to undergo rabies treatment immediately, which includes a series of shots over several weeks.
What Happens After Quarantine Ends?
If the dog remains healthy and shows no signs of rabies during quarantine:
- It is released from quarantine.
- In some cases, the dog may be required to receive a booster rabies vaccine or be updated on all vaccinations.
- The owner may be required to attend training or keep the dog under stricter control (leashed, muzzled in public, etc.).
If the dog is determined to be dangerous or has a history of aggressive behavior, animal control may conduct a hearing to decide on long-term restrictions or removal.
Preventative Measures for Dog Owners
To avoid legal issues and protect others:
- Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
- Always leash your dog in public and supervise interactions with people and other animals.
- Train your dog to socialize appropriately and avoid triggers.
- Secure your home and yard to prevent accidental escapes.
- Consider liability insurance or a pet policy to cover potential incidents.
State-by-State Differences
While the 10-day quarantine rule is a national guideline in the U.S., actual enforcement and procedures vary by state and even by local ordinances. For example:
- California allows home quarantine for vaccinated dogs with no history of aggression.
- Texas mandates quarantine at a licensed facility if the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown.
- New York City requires owners to submit proof of rabies vaccination within 48 hours of a bite.
Always check with your local health department or animal control agency for specific regulations.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
