Animal Control

Dog Bite Prevention and Reporting

Preventing Dog Bites

• Spay or neuter your dog. Unaltered dogs are three times more likely to bite.
• Train and socialize your dog. Expose them safely to people, children, and neighbors.
• Be cautious in new situations. Secure your dog when unfamiliar visitors come to the door.
• Approach dogs safely. Let a dog see and sniff you before petting—even your own.
• Do not disturb dogs while they are sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• If attacked, protect yourself. Use a jacket, purse, or other object as a barrier.

If Your Dog Bites Someone

Owners are required to notify Mount Clemens Animal Control immediately. By law, the animal must be quarantined for 10 days by one of the following methods (determined by the Animal Control Officer):

• At a licensed veterinary clinic or approved kennel (at the owner’s expense).
• At the owner’s home, confined securely indoors or in a fenced yard/pen, with no direct contact with anyone outside the household.

Quarantine Rules

• If the animal is unvaccinated for rabies, vaccination must wait until after the 10-day quarantine.
• If veterinary care is needed during quarantine, the vet must be informed and Animal Control must be notified of any treatment.
• If the animal shows signs of illness or changes in behavior, call Mount Clemens Animal Control immediately.

Important: During the quarantine period, do not:

• Kill the animal
• Dispose of it in any way
• Remove it from the premises without written permission from the Animal Control Officer