Animal Bite Investigations

Animal Bite Investigations

A bite from any animal can be serious and should be examined by a health care professional. Prompt treatment can help to prevent infection or more serious illness.

The Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) investigates reports of human exposure to a potentially infected animal to assess the risk of rabies and determine appropriate action, such as post-exposure treatment, animal observation or animal testing. 

Other individuals or agencies with roles and responsibilities in the management of rabies exposure in PEI include:

For more on roles and responsibilities, review the Guidelines for the Management of Possible Rabies Exposure in Prince Edward Island

What do I do if I have been bitten or scratched by an animal?

The wound should be thoroughly washed and flushed with soap and running water to remove as much of the animal’s saliva as possible. Avoid splashing water into your eyes, nose or mouth.  An antiseptic (e.g. alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) can then be applied to wounds not involving the eyes. 

If the animal is a pet, get the name, address and phone number of the owner as well as a description of the animal, even when they claim that the animal’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. 

See your healthcare provider, Public Health Nursing, or visit the emergency room to have the wound cared for.  

Bite Prevention - Cats and Dogs

Should I report an animal bite?

Yes, you should report an animal bite immediately to a health care provider, Public Health Nursing, PEI Humane Society, or Environmental Health - 902-368-4970. 

It is very important to immediately report an animal bite or interaction, especially when involving wildlife, as the probability of locating the offending animal becomes more difficult with time.

All wild animal bites are of concern. Once a biting incident involving a wild animal (such as a bat, fox, raccoon, or skunk) or a serious injury from a domestic animal (stray or pet) is reported, Environmental Health Officers will ensure that steps are taken to locate the animal, arrange for testing or observation. Appropriate and timely decisions regarding treatment of persons exposed to the animal are made by CPHO medical staff. 

Exposure of a person to an animal suspected or known to be infected with rabies is reportable to the Chief Public Health Office in accordance with the Public Health Act and the Notifiable Diseases and Conditions and Communicable Diseases Regulations.  

Animal Bite Incident Form

An animal bite incident report form is completed for all animal bite investigations.  Additional information related to each section can be found in the Guidelines for the Management of Possible Rabies Exposure in Prince Edward Island.  

Raccoon

Published date: 
February 24, 2025
Health and Wellness

General Inquiries

Environmental Health
2nd Floor Sullivan Building
Fitzroy Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Telephone: 902-368-4970
Toll Free: 1-800-958-6400

envhealth@ihis.org