Ouch!  Anyone who has experienced an animal bite, from a small hamster to a horse, knows how bad an infection can be.  Some bites from animals are downright dangerous.  If you have been bitten, it is wise to quarantine the animal for a period of time to ascertain whether or not the animal has rabies.

In California, a dog or a cat must be quarantined for a period of ten days after the bite occurs.  The animal must be away from other animals and people at all times.  The only person allowed near the animal would be the one who will be taking care of the animal on a daily basis.  During this time, the quarantined animal may not be vaccinated for rabies.   The only way that an animal can be quarantined at home is by approval of an Animal Control Officer.  They must make a personal visit to the location where the animal will be kept before making such approval.  In Madera County, there will be a $45 charge to have your property inspected before home quarantine is approved. 

Animal Control Officer are allowed to visit your property at any time during the quarantine time to recheck your animal.  If it is determined that there are violations to the rules of quarantine, then the animal will be impounded by the County Animal Shelter.   Owners will be charged for the remaining days of quarantine.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion to this post.