Portage County Health District Rabies Prevention Program
The Portage County Health District Rabies Prevention Program is dedicated to protecting the public from the threat of rabies—a serious and often fatal disease that affects both animals and humans.
Rabies is most commonly associated with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. The virus spreads primarily through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through bites or scratches. Transmission can also occur if infected saliva comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or other mucous membranes.
Prompt reporting, proper animal control, and post-exposure treatment are essential to preventing the spread of rabies and protecting community health.
Rabies Is Preventable
Rabies is a preventable disease, and the Portage County Health District (PCHD) Rabies Prevention Program works actively to reduce the risk of human exposure. Our efforts include public education, coordination with animal control, and promotion of responsible pet ownership.
We emphasize the importance of:
• Vaccinating dogs and cats regularly,
• Avoiding contact with stray or wild animals, and
• Reporting any bites or potential exposures immediately.
In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3701-3-28, all animal bites and exposures to humans must be reported to the Portage County Health District.
Rabies Vaccination Requirement for Pets in Portage County
All dogs and cats over 16 weeks of age residing in Portage County are required to be vaccinated against the rabies virus. After vaccination, a rabies tag is issued as proof of immunization. This tag should be kept on the animal’s collar or available for verification, especially in the event of a bite or exposure investigation. For more information about Portage County rabies vaccination, refer to the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Journal Entry signed by Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA on October 28, 2024.
Things We Do:
At the Portage County Health District, we work to protect our community from rabies through education, enforcement, and collaboration. Our core responsibilities include:
✅ Responding promptly to reported animal bites and potential rabies exposures.
✅ Gathering health and vaccination history of the biting animal, including owner information and veterinary records.
✅ Enforcing and monitoring quarantines for animals involved in bite or exposure incidents.
✅ Educating the public on the risks of feeding wild animals, approaching wildlife, or handling injured animals—especially in parks or wooded areas.
✅ Coordinating with local animal control officers to investigate bite cases and address issues related to stray, feral, or wild animals.
✅ Maintaining strong partnerships with local veterinarians and organizations like the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine to promote best practices in rabies prevention and bite response.
Animals are only released from quarantine when properly vaccinated against the rabies virus by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. The animal must also be confirmed alive by a veterinarian or PCHD staff at the end of the quarantine period. Animals that are not currently vaccinated against rabies at the time of the bite or exposure must be seen and evaluated by a veterinarian.
Animal Bite & Exposure Incident Investigations
State and local regulations require that all animal bites, scratches, and potential rabies exposure incidents be reported to the local health district within 24 hours of the incident.
Options to report a bite or exposure in Portage County:
• Phone: 330-298-4490
• Fax: 330-298-4492
• Animal Bites Report Form
Timely reporting helps ensure proper investigation, follow-up, and public health protection.
State and local regulations require that all animal bites, scratches and rabies exposure incidents be reported to the local health department within a 24-hour period.
Helpful Links
Ohio Laws and Rules
• Chapter 955 – Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws | Dogs
• Director’s Journal Entry
• Rule 3701-3-28 – Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws | Report of bite of dog or other mammal
• Rule 3701-3-29 – Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws | Biting animal to be confined; veterinarian to report
• Rule 3701-3-30 – Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws | Report of suspected rabid mammal
