Veterinarians
What happens if my pet is bitten by a wild animal, or bites someone, in Dane County?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
If a wild animal bites your pet, take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the wild animal wasn't captured, or its rabies test was uncertain, your pet may be quarantined. A pet that's current on rabies shots gets an additional shot right away and a 60-day quarantine. A pet without rabies shots faces a 6-month quarantine. During quarantine, your pet must stay home, away from other animals, with limited contact with people. If your dog or cat bites a person, the bite should be reported. The dog or cat will be quarantined for 10 days and checked for signs of rabies. Report bites through Public Health's online Animal Bite Reporting form, or call Police & Fire Dispatch at 608-255-2345 and say you're reporting an animal bite. An Animal Services Officer will follow up. Source: Public Health Madison & Dane County, Animal Bites & Rabies (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026