Animal Bites

A bite is anytime the skin is broken.

Bite Report From

An animal bite from a cat or dog must be reported to your local Animal Services agency.

If you receive medical attention from a doctor's office they are required by law to report the incident to Animal Services for rabies observation.

Animal Services can be contacted at (209) 656-3140, Monday - Saturday 9:30AM - 5:30PM (Closed Holidays).

Bites from insects, birds or cold-blooded pets do not need reporting. However it is suggested that if any bite occurs to check with your family doctor, for treatment.

Quarantining an Animal

The animal that bites you must be quarantined for a minimum of ten days. If your pet is currently vaccinated for the rabies virus and you can prove that your pet can be maintained on it's property and away from any other pets or persons, you may be allowed to keep your pet at home. Home quarantine procedures are at the Officers discretion and are determined by many factors. Regardless of vaccination, if the Officer feels that the animal is a public safety risk it must be quarantined at the shelter.

Fees for Quarantining

The fee to quarantine a pet at home in the City of Turlock, is $25.00 and $20.00 for a microchip. (Mandatory per TMC code 6-1-312)

Shelter Quarantine is required for all face bites, and any animal that does not have a current rabies vaccination. The fee to quarantine a pet at the shelter is $35.00 and $9.00 per day for feed and care.

Additional Fees

If the dog is not licensed in the City of Turlock, you will have to purchase a license, prior to release. The fee to license your pet is $100.00 if not spayed or neutered, or $10.00 if spayed or neutered. You will be required to pay a $18.00 deposit for rabies vaccination. If your pet was off property and impounded you will be charged additional impound fees and state fines.

Dog Licensing