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August 25, 2026
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Bitten by a dog is frightening enough – but when the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown or expired, the situation feels even more urgent and alarming. Many people immediately wonder: Can you get rabies from a dog bite? Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease, which is why Connecticut law has strict rules and procedures about what happens after a dog bite. In this blog, our dog bite attorneys at McCoy & McCoy will explain what you should do if you’ve been bitten by a dog, what to expect from medical and legal authorities, owner responsibilities after a dog bite in Connecticut, and when to begin the rabies vaccine series after a dog bite.
After a dog bite, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention – even if the wound looks minor. Rabies is transmitted through saliva, so if the skin is broken, there’s always potential exposure. While waiting for a medical professional, make sure to wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This simple step can significantly reduce the infection rate.
Once at the hospital or urgent care, explain to the medical professionals that the bite came from a dog with unknown rabies status. The healthcare provider will assess whether you should start the rabies vaccine series right away.
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a rabies shot after a dog bite?”, the answer depends on the situation – but when the dog’s vaccination status is unclear, doctors often recommend starting treatment immediately rather than waiting for test results.
Connecticut law states that all dog bites must be reported to animal control or the local health director. Once the bite has been reported, authorities will track down the dog and verify its rabies vaccination status. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22-359(c), a dog that bites a person must be quarantined for 10 days and monitored for signs of rabies.
If the dog’s rabies records are missing, outdated, or unverifiable, Connecticut requires a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine to monitor for signs of illness. This is an essential public health safeguard to prevent the transmission of rabies through dog bites.
In Connecticut, the 10-day Rabies Quarantine is very clear. Any dogs that bite must be quarantined for 10 days – regardless of vaccination status. The quarantine can take place at a pound, licensed kennel, or veterinary hospital. Home confinement could also be an option if an animal control officer approves it. It is important to note that during the 10-day quarantine period, the biting dog cannot be vaccinated for rabies because it could mask the rabies symptoms. On the 10th day of quarantine, a state veterinarian (or designee) will examine the dog to determine whether it is healthy or showing any signs of illness. If the dog shows any signs of rabies during the quarantine, authorities may order euthanasia and rabies testing.
If you have been bitten by a dog that has an unknown rabies vaccination status, most Connecticut doctors will recommend starting rabies treatment immediately – rather than waiting around for the quarantine results. You become the priority.
What the Rabies Vaccine Series Includes:
Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) – a one-time injection given around the bite wound to neutralize any virus already in your system.
Rabies Vaccine Series – a set of four shots given over 14 days (Day 0, 3, 7, and 14). These vaccines train your immune system to fight off the virus. These series of shots are usually given in the upper arm.
During this time, if the dog finishes quarantine healthy, your doctor may adjust or stop the rabies vaccine series after the dog bite. But if there’s any uncertainty, completing the full series ensures maximum protection and peace of mind while you wait for the quarantine results.
Many dog bite victims ask: “Can you get rabies from a dog bite?” The answer is yes — if the dog is infected and the virus enters your bloodstream. While rabies in dogs is rare in Connecticut, it still occurs, especially among stray or unvaccinated animals. Because the virus is deadly once symptoms appear, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and begin treatment promptly.
Connecticut is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is responsible for bite injuries – even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The dog owner must pay for all quarantine costs, vet bills, and testing.
If you’ve had to undergo rabies shots after a dog bite, your medical costs can be substantial. A Connecticut dog bite attorney can help you pursue a claim against the dog owner to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Navigating both the medical and legal aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming — especially when rabies risk is involved. The team at McCoy & McCoy has decades of experience handling complex dog bite and rabies cases across Connecticut.
We’ll help ensure that:
We offer free consultations 24/7, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
