 Friday, April 3, 2026
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If someone gets bit by an animal
in Jefferson County, what do they do? |
 If you are bit by an animal, please seek medical treatment right away. The wound should be examined for any treatment needed and the person screened for possible rabies exposure.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal but preventable virus that can spread to people and animals if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus only infects mammals. It infects the central nervous system causing disease in the brain which results in death, if not treated. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, and seeking medical care after a potential exposure.
Are animal bites reported to the health department?
Healthcare providers must report animal bites to their local health department within 12 hours of the initial professional evaluation. Almost all of our bite reports come from healthcare or Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS). About 1% of the population reports their own dog bite to us.
What does the health department do when an animal bite is reported?
We will order the owner of the animal to quarantine it for 10 days, even if it has been vaccinated against rabies. Any animal that has bitten must be microchipped under Louisville Metro Ordinance 91.072.
What is an owner’s responsibility if their animal bites someone?
The owner is responsible for quarantining their animal for 10 days. That means the owner must securely confine the animal to their premises, away from people, either inside the home, in a totally enclosed pen inside a fenced yard, or at a veterinarian. Quarantining the animal allows it to be observed for the onset of possible rabies symptoms. Most importantly, it keeps the animal from exposing other animals or people to rabies. The animal can’t be vaccinated while it is in quarantine.
Animal owners are also responsible for making sure their animal is licensed and vaccinated. In Jefferson County, all dogs, cats and ferrets are required by law to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. For more information on local pet laws, licensing, fostering, and adoption visit Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) If bite victims would like to file a formal complaint against a dog owner, please contact LMAS or call (502) 473-7387 to leave a message.
Can the health department order an animal be euthanized?
The health department doesn’t confiscate animals or have them put down. Our main responsibility is to ensure that people are protected from rabies. If an animal owner refuses to cooperate with the request to quarantine the animal, we will refer them to LMAS for follow up and enforcement actions.
Do we automatically recommend someone get the rabies vaccine series if they have been bitten by an animal?
No. We only recommend that someone receive rabies post-exposure treatment if the animal cannot be observed for the 10-day quarantine or tested for rabies.
How many animal bites are reported to the health department each year?
- 2021: 1015
- 2022: 1131
- 2023: 1006
- 2024: 1144
- 2025: 1348
On average, how many animals test positive for rabies?
Bats are the most common animal that test positive for rabies in Jefferson County. Animals that are NOT a rabies risk in Kentucky: hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, reptiles, and mice.
- 2021: 5 bats
- 2022: 3 bats
- 2023: 2 bats
- 2024: 3 bats
- 2025: 3 bats
For information about rabies, please visit our webpage.
Parents can join a discussion about milk
 You're invited to join our conversation about all things milk. "Milk Talk" will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Passport One Stop Health Center, 2028 W. Broadway.
Our Healthy Start experts will address key topics such as:
- breastfeeding
- formula feeding
- body/hormonal changes during postpartum
Please register by scanning the QR code above or using this link to sign up. For more information, please email healthystartevents@louisvilleky.gov
Tell us how you really feel: Help shape
a new service request system
 Louisville Metro Government is working to improve the online tools many residents use every day, including the Louisville Metro Business Portal, the 311 Reporting System, and the 311 Mobile App and we want your input! These tools allow the public to submit service requests, report issues, and track responses.
Louisville Metro has launched a public engagement website where community members can share their experiences and ideas. On the site, you can:
- Fill out a short survey
- Share ideas on the Ideas Wall
- Respond to an open‑ended question about your experiences
Tell us how you feel here!
Your feedback will help guide decisions about communication tools, self‑service options, and how Metro can make services more efficient, accessible, and responsive for everyone. The site will also serve as a central hub for project updates, keeping residents informed as the CRM selection process moves forward.
Whether you have used Metro’s 311 system, submitted a service request, or interacted with Metro online, your voice matters.We encourage all residents to participate today!
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