Houston

What to do after a dog bite in Houston

The short answer

After a dog bite in Houston, Texas law requires a person who knows of a bite that could transmit rabies to report it to the local rabies control authority, and inside the city the City of Houston's BARC takes bite reports through 311. The animal may then be quarantined under state rules, summarized below with their sources. InjuryClaimGuide is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Key facts, as of October 22, 2026

The City of Houston's BARC says every animal bite must be reported and that bites are reported by calling 311; BARC is at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026. Source: City of Houston BARC, Report an Animal Bite
BARC asks for the bitten person's identity and contact information, the date and time of the bite, a description of the animal, the address where it happened, and the owner's contact information if available. Source: City of Houston BARC, Report an Animal Bite
Texas law requires a person who knows of an animal bite or scratch that could reasonably transmit rabies to report it to the local rabies control authority where the person lives, where the animal is, or where the exposure happened. Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code §826.041

Dog bite injuries, especially for children, often involve homeowners insurance policies. Liability rules vary by state.

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Dog Bites

What happens to a dog after it bites someone in Texas?

The local rabies control authority or a veterinarian quarantines or tests, under state health rules, an animal that may have exposed a person to rabies. Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code §826.042(b)
An owner must submit for quarantine an animal reported to have exposed a person to rabies, delivering it to the local rabies control authority of the county or city where the exposure happened. Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code §826.042(c)–(d)

What does Texas law say about a dog classified as dangerous?

Texas defines a “dangerous dog” as a dog that makes an unprovoked attack on a person that causes bodily injury outside an enclosure reasonably certain to keep the dog in, or that commits unprovoked acts outside such an enclosure that cause a person to reasonably believe the dog will attack and cause bodily injury. Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code §822.041(2)
Not later than the 30th day after a person learns they own a dangerous dog, that person must register the dog with the animal control authority for the area where it is kept and restrain it at all times on a leash in the immediate control of a person or in a secure enclosure. Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code §822.042(a)