Animal Bite Information
Reporting Animal Bites to Local Authorities for Rabies Observation
Report Animal-Related Injuries
All injuries to humans caused by an animal — whether domestic or wild — are required to be reported under the Texas Health and Safety Code § 826.041. Reports must be made to the Local Rabies Control Authority for the city or county in which the incident occurred.
Inside the City of Gainesville:
Cases are handled by Gainesville Animal Control.
Outside city limits in Cooke County:
Cases are handled by the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office or the appropriate county authority.
Why Animal Bites & Scratches Are Taken Seriously
When an animal bites or scratches a person, there is concern for possible transmission of the rabies virus. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, most commonly through the saliva of an infected animal.
If a bite or scratch breaks the skin, saliva may enter the wound and pose a serious health risk. Because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, state law requires immediate reporting and investigation of all potential exposures.
Rabies Quarantine Requirements
Under the Texas Administrative Code and the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances (Chapter 3 - Animal Control):
- Any animal that bites or scratches a person must be placed under rabies quarantine.
- The standard quarantine period is ten days (240 hours), beginning on the date of the incident.
- Quarantine is intended to monitor the animal for signs of rabies and to ensure appropriate medical care for the exposed person if needed.
Home quarantine approval depends on factors such as:
Current rabies vaccination status, secure confinement, isolation from the public and other animals, and required observation by the Local Rabies Control Authority. Important: Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter does not investigate animal bite incidents and is not a state-approved rabies quarantine facility.
Where Quarantine May Occur
Rabies quarantine must take place at:
- A state-approved quarantine facility, such as a licensed veterinary clinic
- A city-designated quarantine facility
- Home quarantine is an option only if approved by the Local Rabies Control Authority and all state and local conditions are met
Home quarantine approval depends on factors such as:
Current rabies vaccination status
Secure confinement
Isolation from the public and other animals
Required observation by the Local Rabies Control Authority
Important: Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter does not investigate animal bite incidents and is not a state-approved rabies quarantine facility.
When Rabies Testing Is Required
If an animal cannot be quarantined, dies during quarantine, or begins showing symptoms consistent with rabies, testing may be required. The only state-approved rabies testing method requires examination of brain tissue, which means the animal must be humanely euthanized for testing.
Wild animals are not placed in quarantine and may be euthanized for rabies testing when exposure is suspected.
What To Do If You Have Been Bitten or Scratched
If you or someone else has been injured by an animal:
1. Seek medical attention immediately if needed.
-Call 911 for emergencies and inform the dispatcher that an animal caused the injury.
2. Report the incident as soon as possible to the appropriate authority.
-Inside the City of Gainesville: Gainesville Animal Control (940-665-7777)
-Outside city limits (Cooke County): Cooke County Sheriff’s Office Non Emergency (940-665-3471)
3. If it is safe to do so:
-Ensure the animal is contained or has left the area
-Note the animal’s description and last known location
-Provide any known owner information to responding authorities
Official Ordinance Reference
For full legal requirements related to animal bites, rabies quarantine, reporting obligations, and animal control regulations, please refer to the official City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3 – Animal Control.
This information is provided for public reference only. Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter does not enforce city ordinances or investigate animal bite incidents.
Save an Animal By Donating To Noah's Ark Today
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Phone
Address
2501 N Weaver St.
Gainesville, TX 76240
Hours
Monday: 11am - 5pm
Tuesday: 11am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11am - 5pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Looking to Adopt?
Noah's Ark Animal Shelter is able to provide pet adoptions for communities in the greater North Texas area including the cities of Callisburg, Collinsville, Gainesville, Lindsay, Marietta, Muenster, Oak Ridge, Saint Jo, Sanger, Thackerville, Valley View, and Whitesboro.
Out of State?
View the full list of cities / hubs we can transport dogs and cats to.
