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1. What to Do If Your Pet Has Been Bitten?

Try to determine what type of animal bit your pet. Put on gloves and wash your animal's wounds with warm soapy water for at least 10 minutes. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If the animal that bit your pet was a possible rabies carrier and your pet is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, your pet will need to be confined for observation. If it exhibits signs of rabies, it will be humanely killed so its brain can be tested in a laboratory. If your pet is unvaccinated, it may have to be humanely killed or quarantined for six months. Remember: the best way to prevent rabies is to have your pets vaccinated! That is why it is the law in Massachusetts that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.

2. What If Your Pet Has Bitten Someone?

Notify your local animal control official and your board of health. Don't let it stray or give it away, it should be confined for 10 days for observation to make sure it is not ill with rabies.