Who must report an animal bite in Baltimore?

Anyone bitten or exposed should report it to Baltimore City Health Department or Animal Services; clinicians also report exposures.

How long will an animal be quarantined?

Quarantine length and type depend on the animal and exposure risk; the city’s procedures determine observation periods and testing.

What if the animal owner refuses to cooperate?

Authorities may issue orders, seize the animal, or pursue court enforcement if an owner does not comply.

Baltimore Animal Bite Reporting & Quarantine Law

Public Safety Maryland 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In Baltimore, Maryland, prompt reporting of animal bites and compliance with quarantine rules protect public health and reduce rabies risk. This guide explains who must report a bite, how Baltimore enforces quarantine for dogs, cats and other mammals, what steps victims and animal owners must take, and where to find official forms and contacts. Follow the action steps to report, preserve evidence, and comply with inspections so cases are handled quickly and lawfully.

When to Report and Who Responds

Any person bitten or scratched by a mammal in Baltimore should report the incident immediately. The Baltimore City Health Department and Animal Services respond to bite reports, evaluate rabies risk, and arrange quarantine or testing when needed^[1].

Immediate Steps After a Bite

Seek medical attention promptly for wound care and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis as advised by clinicians.
Report the bite to Baltimore City Health Department or Animal Services right away; provide location, animal description, and owner information.
Preserve evidence: keep clothing in a paper bag, photograph injuries and animal, and note witnesses.

Reporting early speeds public-health decisions and may prevent further exposures.

Quarantine and Testing

Baltimore may order domestic animals to be quarantined, observed, or confined for a specified period following a bite; testing for rabies of the attacking animal may be required if available. The municipal code and public-health procedures set quarantine types and timeframes, which are administered by animal-control officers and health inspectors^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily by Baltimore City Animal Services and the Health Department; violations can lead to fines, orders to comply, seizure, or court action. Specific monetary fine amounts are not provided on the cited city pages and are listed as "not specified on the cited page" where applicable^[2].

Fines: not specified on the cited page for animal-bite or quarantine violations.
Escalation: first and repeat offense ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: quarantine orders, animal seizure, injunctions, and referral to court are authorized by city authorities.
Enforcer and complaints: Baltimore City Health Department and Animal Services accept reports and conduct inspections; contact details are in Resources.
Appeals and review: appeal routes are via administrative review or the city’s adjudication/court process; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Failing to comply with a quarantine order can result in seizure of the animal and court action.

Applications & Forms

There is no single statewide bite-reporting form published on the cited city pages; Baltimore accepts reports via its Health Department and Animal Services intake procedures, and clinical providers report exposures to public health as required^[1].

How-To

Call emergency services for severe injuries and seek medical care immediately.
Report the bite to Baltimore City Health Department or Animal Services by phone or the city reporting portal.
Follow instructions from health or animal-control officers about quarantine, testing, or surrender of the animal.
Keep records: names of officers, report numbers, medical receipts, and test results.

Keep a written timeline of events and communications to support any administrative or legal review.

FAQ

Who must report an animal bite in Baltimore?: Anyone bitten or exposed should report it to Baltimore City Health Department or Animal Services; clinicians also report exposures.
How long will an animal be quarantined?: Quarantine length and type depend on the animal and exposure risk; the city’s procedures determine observation periods and testing.
What if the animal owner refuses to cooperate?: Authorities may issue orders, seize the animal, or pursue court enforcement if an owner does not comply.

Key Takeaways

Report bites immediately to speed public-health action.
Quarantine orders are enforceable and may include seizure for noncompliance.
Keep records and follow official instructions to preserve health and legal options.