Home and neighborhood
Who handles a stray, loose or dangerous animal?
Who handles it
Your local animal control agency handles stray and loose animals. Your health department handles possible rabies exposure from an animal bite.
- Not Federal
- State
- Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 2 sources
Why state and local government
Local governments run programs to remove stray and unwanted animals. Local and state health departments provide rabies-related care.
What to do next
- If anyone is in danger, call 911.
- Do not approach a sick, injured or loose animal. Call animal control for help.
- If an animal bites someone, contact your health department right away and see a health care provider.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
State and local laws set the rules for strays and rabies control, so procedures differ by place.
Learn the background: What is the difference between a county, a city, a township and a school district?
Sources
Official recordCDC: Rabies Prevention and Control