Q: I was just bitten by a dog/cat.  what do I do about the animal?

A: TJO animal control officers must be notified of the bite.   They will visit the scene and conduct an investigation.  The dog/cat must be held a period of 10 days to be observed for symptoms of rabies.  If the animal that bit is not knowingly owned by anyone, the quarantine will done at TJO.  If an owned animal bites, the animal control officer will decide if the quarantine will be done at TJO or if the animal will be allowed to remain in his/her home for the 10 day period. 

For bites outside of Springfield, contact the board of health  in the city where the bite occured.