Reporting an Animal Bite

All persons bitten and the parents or guardians of minor children bitten, as well as any person owning or having custody or control of a dog (or other animal of a species subject to rabies) that bites a person must promptly report the incident to the City of San José Animal Care & Services Division. Call (408) 578-7297 to report an animal bite.

This is necessary so that such animals can be temporarily isolated as required by law in an approved place and manner (oftentimes at the owner's residence) and observed for at least 10 days for any symptoms of rabies.  This requirement applies whether or not the biting animal has been vaccinated against rabies.