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1. What happens if my dog or cat bites someone?

Wisconsin State Law 95.21 requires that any dog or cat, which bites a person, be quarantined for ten days so that it can be observed for signs of rabies. The requirements of the quarantine vary depending on whether the animal is current on its rabies immunizations.

2. What if my dog or cat is unvaccinated for rabies?

If an unvaccinated dog or cat bites someone, an officer will order that the animal be quarantined for a period of at least 10 days after the bite. The "officer" can be a public health official, a law enforcement officer, a DNR game warden or a humane officer.

Learn more about unvaccinated animals.

3. What if my dog or cat is current on the rabies vaccination?

If a vaccinated dog or cat, as shown by a valid rabies certificate, bites someone, an officer will order the animal quarantined for a period of a least 10 days after the bite. The "officer" can be a public health official, a law enforcement officer, a DNR game warden or a humane officer.

Learn more about vaccinated animals.

4. Why is the 10-day quarantine and observation period necessary?

Review a full explanation of the 10-day quarantine.

5. What if I fail to comply with the quarantine requirements?

Wisconsin State Statute 95.21(10)(b) provides for a fine of $100 to $1,000 or 60 days imprisonment, or both, for failure to comply with a quarantine order.