Animal Control

The information below is supplied by the Lake County General Health District

The Lake County General Health District has information and guidance on dealing with animal bites and other related topics. Below are a few of the topics most requested by residents.

For more information, please refer to their web site at www.lcghd.org or (440) 350-2543.

After hours and weekends, the Health District may be reached for an emergency by calling the answering service at (440) 974-5009.

Bats in the Home

Please refer any concerns regarding bats found in a home to the Health District. It is important that residents do not release a bat to the outdoors that was found in their home without first speaking to the Health District.   This brochure from the Ohio Department of Health may be helpful.

Rats Near Property

Use this link to the LCGHD page on Rats, Rodents & Disease if rats are in or around your property.

Nuisance Wildlife

The City of Wickliffe and the Health District are unable to assist the public with removing nuisance animals from their home or yard. Some animals may be comfortable living in close association with humans and homes. These animals may be trapped and euthanized (never released) by  a licensed nuisance animal trapper at the homeowner’s expense. 

If you require additional guidance or assistance, contact the Service Department at 440-943-7125.

Reporting Animal bites and Exposures

Ohio Law (OAC 3701-3-28) requires all dog, cat, or mammal bites be reported to the health district in which the bite occurred. The report shall be made by the person bitten, a health care provider, or a veterinarian with knowledge of the bite. To see rabies-specific laws and rules, visit Ohio Department of Health – Laws & Rules, Zoonotic Disease Program.