Animal Bites

When an Animal Bites



Dial 911 for serious bites. Seek medical attention for all animal bites.

To report an animal bite, call the Surprise Police Department at 623 222-4000.

Please be prepared to identify the animal with details such as:
  • breed
  • color
  • markings
  • size
  • location last seen
If possible, contain the animal safely but don't try to contain a vicious animal.

Owners who cannot produce proof of a current rabies vaccination must quarantine their animal at their expense with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Services, (MCACCS), or a quarantine-approved veterinary hospital.

Owners may confine their animal at their home with the consent of, and in a manner prescribed by, an Animal Control Officer, provided they can show proof of the following within 24 hours.
  • Dogs – license and rabies vaccination
  • Cats – rabies vaccination

Additional Resources:



Animal Bites: Pet-owner's Liabilities & Responsibilities
(PDF - Source: Maricopa County Animal Care and Control)

Dog Bite Prevention
(PDF - Source: Maricopa County Animal Care and Control)