Rabies Control
Our Rabies Control Program enforces home quarantines for cats and dogs, locates persons exposed to rabid animals, and alerts the public of rabies outbreaks.
Rabies is a serious disease that is caused by a virus. Any mammal can get rabies. Rabies is spread through saliva, usually from the bite of an infected animal. Vaccinating animals can prevent rabies.
To prevent rabies, it is important to:
- Vaccinate your dogs, cats, and ferrets.
- Keep your pets under supervision.
- Avoid handling strays and wild animals.
If an animal bites you, immediately call the Board of Health at (404) 294-3700.
Call DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services at 404-294-2996 if:
- A stray or wild animal is acting strangely.
- Someone’s pet, a stray or a wild animal bites your pet.
A pet that has bitten a person or another animal must be quarantined. Also, a pet that may have been exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined. Pets that are up to date on their rabies vaccine may qualify to quarantine at home.
For more information, call
(404) 508-7900
Helpful links and phone numbers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- www.cdc.gov/rabies/
- www.cdc.gov/rabiesandkids
- Clinician Information Line – 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
- DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services:
- Georgia Department of Public Health:
- Georgia Poison Center: 800-222-1222
SERVICE