Frequently Asked Questions

If your animal is approved for home observation and confinement, you will need to keep your animal at home and away from other animals and people for a ten (10) day period. The first day of observation begins on the same day that the bite occurred. On day ten (10) your animal shall only be released from observation and confinement by your veterinarian or the Jackson County Health Department.

If decide that you want to have your dog or cat euthanized before the end of the ten (10) day observation and confinement period is over, you must contact the Jackson County Health Department for approval. It is preferred that animals go through the quarantine and confinement period before being euthanized unless the animal is showing signs of rabies. If an animal is euthanized, it must be done so by a Licensed Veterinarian, and a specimen from the animal must be properly collected and shipped to the State Hygienic Lab for rabies testing. Fees for euthanasia and specimen collection may vary, but testing for rabies is free through the State Hygienic Lab.

Thoroughly wash any wounds with soap and water, and if available, flush with povidone-iodine solution (or other virucidal solution). Seek medical attention and contact your local law enforcement. Confine the animal if possible (but only if you can safely do so) until further instructions from the health Department or law enforcement are given. All bites must be reported to the Jackson County Health Department by calling 563-652-1729.

If your dog or cat has bitten you or someone else, confine the animal, and report the bite to your local law enforcement, and contact the Jackson County Health Department by calling 563-652-1729. The animal may be confined for ten (10) days at a veterinarian clinic or the animal may be observed with home confinement if it meets very specific criteria, and is approved by the Jackson County Health Department.

If your dog or cat is vicious and dangerous, and at-home observation is not a safe choice, contact the Jackson County Health Department by calling 563-652-1729 to discuss facility-based observation and confinement options.