Report a Dog Bite & Quarantine Steps - Memphis

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In Memphis, Tennessee, reporting a dog bite and arranging any required quarantine involves both city animal services and public health authorities. Begin by seeking medical care if needed, then report the incident to Memphis Animal Services so that animal control and public-health teams can evaluate rabies risk and public safety. [1] For potential rabies exposures and state guidance, local health department procedures may apply alongside city animal ordinances. [2][3]

Report bites promptly to protect public health.

What to report and when

Report any unprovoked dog bite that breaks skin, or a bite where rabies exposure is suspected. Include the date, location, victim contact, and description of the animal. If you have the animal owners information, provide it; otherwise report the location and any identifying details.

Immediate actions

  • Seek medical attention immediately for wound care and possible rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
  • Contact Memphis Animal Services to file a bite report.
  • Preserve evidence: note witness names, take photos of injuries and the scene.
Do not attempt to capture or confine an unfamiliar aggressive animal yourself.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily handled by Memphis Animal Services; public-health follow-up may be conducted by Shelby County or Tennessee health authorities depending on jurisdiction and rabies risk. The cited Memphis Animal Services and state health pages describe reporting procedures and enforcement roles but do not list specific fine amounts on those pages; where a fine or penalty amount is needed it is not specified on the cited page. [1][3]

  • Enforcer: Memphis Animal Services for city ordinances; local health department for rabies control investigations.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offences and continuing violations are handled per ordinance or health order; specific escalation amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: quarantine orders, animal seizure, mandated vaccinations, or court action are possible depending on investigation findings.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: file a report with Memphis Animal Services or the local health department via the official contact pages.
  • Appeals/review: appeal or contest processes follow the citation or order instructions; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Memphis Animal Services is the primary city contact for animal-control enforcement.

Applications & Forms

To report a bite, use Memphis Animal Servicess bite-report procedure or form if available on the official site; the cited Memphis page provides reporting instructions and contact information but does not publish a required fee for reporting. [1]

How-To

  1. Seek medical care for the victim and document treatment.
  2. Contact Memphis Animal Services to report the bite and provide details.
  3. Follow instructions for quarantine or observation of the animal if ordered by animal control or public health.
  4. If issued a citation or order, review appeal instructions and deadlines in the document or contact the issuing office.
  5. Keep records of medical visits, correspondence, and any isolation orders for future reference.
Keep a dated paper or digital file of all reports and communications.

FAQ

Who do I call to report a dog bite in Memphis?
Call Memphis Animal Services using the contact information on the official city page; health department staff may also be notified for rabies risk assessment.
Will the animal be quarantined?
Quarantine or observation decisions are made by animal-control or health officials based on risk; procedures are described on official animal services and health pages.
Are there fees or fines for reporting?
The official reporting pages do not list a required fee or specific fine amounts; contact Memphis Animal Services or review any citation for details.

Key Takeaways

  • Report bites promptly to Memphis Animal Services and seek medical care.
  • Quarantine decisions and rabies assessments are handled by animal control or health officials.
  • Official pages provide reporting procedures but may not list fines or fee amounts.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Animal Services - Report an Animal Bite
  2. [2] Tennessee Department of Health - Rabies
  3. [3] Shelby County Government - Health Department

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