More than 4.5 million people are bitten by animals every year. Help prevent injuries, especially to children, by following these five tips:

• Teach children to avoid unknown animals.
  As tempting as it may be to love on that stray cat or wandering dog, teach children to keep their hands to themselves. Remind them to tell an adult if they see a loose animal.
• Ask permission before petting someone’s dog.
  Just because an animal looks friendly doesn’t mean it won’t nip, bite or bark. Don’t touch someone else’s pet unless they say it’s okay.
• Don’t tease, pull ears, or take an animal’s food or toys.
  Animals are instinctively territorial. Don’t let children get overly physical with pets. Teach them to give pets space, especially when they are eating or caring for their young.
• Let sleeping dogs lie.
  Don’t wake a sleeping animal. Just like humans, pets that are startled awake may react with fear or aggression.
• If you own a pet, consider getting it spayed or neutered.
  These procedures help tame aggression and reduce the likelihood of bites.

If you or a loved one is bitten or scratched by an animal, contact Animal Control within 24 hours. All dogs and cats that bite or scratch a human may be quarantined, regardless of whether they are vaccinated for rabies or not.

If you have questions about a stray or aggressive animal, contact Animal Control within your local municipality.