Animal Bites

Section 22.07 (E) requires both animal owners and bite victims to contact Garland Animal Services in the event of an animal bite.

Bite victims should call Garland Animal Services immediately at 972-205-3570, option 1 and should provide a description of the animal and the location at which the bite occurred. An Animal Services Officer will contact the bite victim to gather pertinent information and to inform the victim of the rabies control measures which will be taken to ensure public safety, including quarantine of the animal involved in the bite.

The owner(s) of an animal involved in a bite are required to secure the animal until an Animal Services Officer can take possession of the animal for rabies quarantine. Animals involved in a bite are quarantined for a period of no less than ten days, after which they may be released to the owner. 

How to Prevent Animal Bites:

• Respect and Pay Attention to an animal's body language
• Do NOT make sudden movements or high-pitched noises
• Always ask permission to pet someone's pet
• Do NOT pull the animal's ears or tail
• Do NOT bother the animal while they are sleeping or eating
• Do NOT leave babies or young children unsupervised with an animal

Level of Risk of Rabies Exposure: (Remember to respect Wildlife and Pet's Personal Space to prevent any bites or exposure. Keep your distance!)

• High Risk: Skunks, Bats, Foxes, Coyotes, and Raccoons
• Low Risk: Rodents, Moles, Shrews, Opossums, Rabbits, and Armadillos

Rabies (Texas Health and Safety Code)
AVMA: Dog Bite Prevention

DANGEROUS ANIMALS

Garland Animal Services has the authority to place restrictions on, or order the removal of animals deemed dangerous. Citizens wishing to report potentially dangerous animals should contact Animal Services. An Animal Services Supervisor and/or the Animal Services Director will evaluate the animal in question to determine if it exhibits dangerous behavior.

Quarantine Fees