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Animal Exposures Reporting

Animal bites and certain animal contacts can result in rabies exposure and must be reported to public health to protect exposed individuals and prevent the spread of rabies.

Veterinarians play an important role in identifying and reporting animal exposures as part of Ontario’s rabies prevention and control program.

Report an animal exposure

What must be reported

Under Ontario Regulation 557/90, the following must be reported as soon as possible:

  • Any bite from a mammal

  • Any contact with a mammal that may result in the transmission of rabies

This requirement applies to veterinarians, physicians, nurses, police officers and any person with knowledge of the exposure.

What to do if someone is bitten or scratched

Take these steps right away:

  1. Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Seek medical attention immediately.
  3. Report the exposure to WDG Public Health.

How to report

Complete an Animal Exposures Report online form or contact us by phone at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). For after-hours, weekend, or holiday emergencies, call 1-877-884-8653.

You can also download a printable Animal Exposures Report form and fax the report to the Reportable Diseases Fax Line at
1-855-WDG-LINE (1-855-934-5463).

Public Health will follow up to assess risk and provide direction on next steps.

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