First Aid Procedure for Animal Bites

For a medical emergency, call 911 immediately

Otherwise, please follow these instructions:

1. Control Bleeding:

Apply continuous pressure for 5-10 minutes. If bleeding is not controlled, seek medical assistance immediately (see #4 below).

2. Cleanse Wound: 

Wash all wounds immediately with soap or detergent solution and a high volume of water for at least 5 minutes, 10 minutes if extensive or extremely dirty. Scrub wound enough to make it re-bleed a little to help clean the wound. Primate bites require special care. Scrub with a solution such as chlorhexidine for 15 minutes under high volume of running water. Follow Primate protocols on care and reporting of bites and scratches.

3. Report Bite: 

Report bite to your supervisor or department personnel office.
Complete the Animal Bite or Scratch Reporting Form (.pdf) 

4. Seek Medical Follow-up:

Employees (including student employees) go to:

  • Occupational Health Services
    1 Shields Ave. Cowell Hall, 752-6051
    Hours: 8am-5pm (M,T,Th,F); 9am-5pm (W)

if Occupational Health Services is closed please go to to:

  • Davis Urgent Care: Fermi Place, Suite 105, Davis CA 95618, (530) 759-9110
    Hours: 8am-8pm; 365 days a year
    For directions, please click here

Students go to:

  • Student Health and Wellness Center, Corner of La Rue and Orchard Drive; 752-2300
    Hours: 8am-7:30pm (M,T,Th,F); 9am-7:30pm (W); 9:30am-1:00pm (weekends)
    Summer Hours:  8am-5pm (M,T,Th,F); 9am-5pm (W)

 After Hours Care go to:

  • Sutter Davis Hospital, Urgent Care & Emergency Medical Services, 530-757-5111
    2000 Sutter Pl, Davis, CA 95616
    Open 24 hours

NON UC Davis Campus affiliated persons (visitors, guests, contractors etc.)

  • Report to their personal physician, personal urgent care or emergency services.

    5. Notify County: 

All bites must be reported to the supervisors. All bites must be reported to the County Health Department except for small rodent bites from rodents purchased from approved animal vendors. Required forms are completed at the treating medical facility.                        

Other Information

  • Dog and Cat Bites: High frequency of wound infection with Pasteurella and other oral pathogens; likely to require antibiotic treatment.

  • Reptiles and Birds: Possible exposure to bacterial pathogens that sometimes requires antibiotic treatment for deep wounds.

  • Laboratory Rodent Bites: Do not usually cause infection unless very deep bite or unusual pathogen is present.

  • Animals with Unexplained Neurological Symptoms: Check with supervisor and co-workers regarding rabies status of animal; observation period for animal may be necessary if rabies status is unknown. Do not kill animal