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.