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Report an animal bite

If an animal bites you, someone else, or your pet in South Bend, report it. Reporting starts the rabies check that keeps you and the animal safe. Call 311 to report — do it as soon as you can.

Report the bite

Report any bite that happens within South Bend city limits by calling 311, or contact the Animal Resource Center directly. If you went to a hospital or clinic first, a copy of the bite report filed there will be sent to SBARC.

Report as soon as you can — it lets the rabies check start right away.

What happens next

If a pet or domestic animal was involved

The animal goes on a 10-day quarantine — at home, at SBARC, or at a vet, depending on the situation — even if it's up to date on its rabies shots. Quarantine confirms the animal's health for everyone's safety. You'll be contacted once that's verified at the end.

If wildlife was involved

The animal can be tested for rabies. An officer can pick it up or you can bring it in, and SBARC sends a specimen to the Indiana State Department of Health. Results usually come back within a few days.

If you can't find the animal

If the animal got away and can't be located, follow up with your doctor — or your vet, if your pet was bitten — for advice on next steps.

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