Honolulu Dangerous Dog Bites & Quarantine Ordinance
In Honolulu, Hawaii, reporting dangerous dog bites and requesting animal quarantine is handled through city animal services and public health channels to reduce rabies and public-safety risk. This guide explains when and how to report a bite, who enforces quarantine, what you can expect during an investigation, and the immediate steps victims, witnesses, and pet owners should take. Use the official contacts below to file complaints, request quarantine or impoundment, and to learn about medical follow-up. For city-specific procedures and the animal management office, see the official animal management guidance below.[1]
Reporting: when and how
Report any bite that breaks the skin or causes bleeding, persistent puncture, or significant injury. If the animal is a threat to public safety or remains at large, call 911 for immediate danger; otherwise contact Honolulu Animal Management for non-emergency reporting. Collect details: date/time, location, owner contact (if known), animal description, witness names, and any photos or medical records. Preserve the animal if possible for quarantine and testing per health guidance.[2]
- Keep the incident scene as it is and avoid further contact with the animal.
- Call emergency services for severe injuries or ongoing attacks.
- Prepare an incident summary: names, timeline, and medical treatment received.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the City and County of Honolulu animal management and public health authorities; specific penalties and fine amounts are not specified on the cited city page for dog-bite or quarantine infractions, so the exact monetary penalties are designated in city code or administrative rules referenced by the department and must be confirmed with the office listed below.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or contact Animal Management for current schedules.
- Escalation: first offences, repeat offences, or continuing violations may lead to higher penalties or separate counts—details not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: quarantine orders, impoundment, mandatory vaccinations, seizure, and civil or criminal court actions may be imposed.
- Enforcer: City and County of Honolulu animal management for on-island enforcement and the Hawaii Department of Health for rabies/public-health rules.[2]
- Inspection & complaint pathways: file a complaint with Animal Management; public health may order quarantine or testing.
- Appeals: appeal routes or administrative review are set by ordinance or departmental rules; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The city page does not publish a specific "quarantine request" form or numbered application on the cited page; residents should contact Animal Management to learn whether a written request or form is required and how to submit supporting evidence (photos, vet records, medical reports).[1]
Immediate action steps
- Do not delay medical care—document injuries and save medical receipts.
- Contact Animal Management with incident details and follow their instructions for quarantine or impoundment.
- Preserve evidence: photographs, witness contacts, and any animal restraint information.
FAQ
- Who do I contact to report a dog bite in Honolulu?
- Contact City and County of Honolulu animal management for non-emergency reporting; call 911 if the animal is actively attacking or poses immediate danger.[1]
- Will the animal be quarantined?
- Public health or animal control may order quarantine if rabies exposure or public-safety risk is suspected; duration and conditions are set by official guidance and the enforcing agency.[2]
- Are there fines for owners of dangerous dogs?
- Possible fines or penalties are determined by municipal code or department rules; specific amounts are not listed on the cited city page and should be confirmed with Animal Management.[1]
How-To
- Ensure safety: move to a safe area and get medical help if needed.
- Contact Honolulu Animal Management to report the bite and request an investigation.[1]
- Gather evidence: photos, witness names, medical records, and vaccination records for the animal if available.
- Follow health guidance for rabies prophylaxis and cooperate with quarantine/testing instructions from health authorities.[2]
- If you disagree with an order, ask the enforcing department about the administrative appeal or review process; note any time limits for appeals.
Key Takeaways
- Report bites quickly to preserve evidence and allow quarantine decisions.
- Contact Honolulu Animal Management for reporting and enforcement actions.[1]
- Follow public-health instructions for rabies prophylaxis and quarantine orders.
Help and Support / Resources
- City and County of Honolulu - Animal Management
- City and County of Honolulu - Department Contacts
- Hawaii Department of Health - Animal Bites and Rabies
- Honolulu Police Department