Dog and animal bites
Animal bites can get infected even when they look small, and some raise rabies questions. A clinician can clean the wound, decide whether it should be closed, and check whether you need a tetanus shot or rabies shots.
Go to the ER or call 911 if
- Bleeding that won't stop with pressure
- Deep bites, or bites to the face, neck or genitals
- Any bat contact, or a bite from a wild animal, if urgent care can't arrange rabies shots that day
What urgent care can usually do
- Clean and irrigate the wound
- Decide on antibiotics to prevent infection
- Tetanus shots
- Advise on rabies risk and reporting
Right away
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes.
- If you can, find out whether the animal is vaccinated and where it can be watched.
- A bat in the room while someone was asleep counts as a possible exposure, even without a visible bite.
What to bring
- What kind of animal, and whether it's someone's pet
- The pet's vaccination status if you can get it
- Date of your last tetanus shot
Nearest clinics
Sorted by distance only. Call ahead to confirm hours and services.
Sources
Other guides
General information to help you choose where to go. It isn't a diagnosis or medical advice. A clinician will decide on testing and treatment. Last reviewed October 2026. Editorial standards