What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident

Dog bites can happen quickly and without warning. One minute, you’re enjoying a walk or visiting a friend, and the next, you’re left dealing with pain, confusion, and a potentially serious injury. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for most bite incidents, but knowing how to respond after a dog bite incident is very important—whether you’re the one bitten or your dog bit someone.

This article provides a simple, step-by-step guide on what to do after a dog bite incident, tailored for California residents. We’ll cover medical care, documentation, legal options, and more — using easy-to-understand language so you can act calmly and correctly.

Step 1: Prioritize Medical Attention

The first and most important step is ensuring the person bitten gets proper medical care.

Even if the bite seems small, dog mouths contain bacteria that can lead to infection. Sometimes, deeper tissue damage, broken bones, or nerve injuries may not be immediately obvious. If the bite is bleeding heavily, apply pressure with a clean cloth and seek emergency care.

Basic first aid includes:

Wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least five minutes.
Applying antibiotic ointment if available.
Covering with a clean bandage.
Seeking medical help to assess severity and decide if stitches, a tetanus shot, or antibiotics are needed.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If someone else’s dog bites you, it’s essential to identify both the animal and its owner.

Try to:

Get the dog owner’s name, phone number, and address.
Ask for the dog’s vaccination records, especially rabies.
Take a picture of the dog if it’s safe to do so.

If the dog is a stray or the owner refuses to cooperate, alert animal control or local authorities. In California, animal control agencies keep bite records and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies or behavioral issues.

Step 3: Report the Incident

In California, dog bite incidents should be reported to the local animal control or health department. Even if the injury seems minor, making an official report creates a legal record of the incident, which can be important later.

This report may include:

Date, time, and location of the bite.
Dog breed and description.
Victim’s name and contact info.
Owner’s information, if known.

Reporting is not just for legal reasons — it also helps public health officials track dangerous animals and reduce future risks to others.

Step 4: Document Everything

As soon as possible, start collecting details related to the dog bite. The more information you gather, the easier it is to prove what happened if legal or insurance issues arise later.

What to document:

Photos of the bite wound (before and after treatment).
Pictures of the location and dog (if possible).
Medical bills and treatment notes.
Written statements or notes describing what happened.
Names and contact details of any witnesses.

Keeping a record can also help show how the injury affected your daily life—whether through missed work, emotional stress, or physical pain.

Step 5: Understand California Dog Bite Laws

California has strict liability laws regarding dog bites. This means that, in most cases, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes—even if the dog has never been bitten before and is not known to be aggressive.

This law applies if:

The bite happened in a public place.
The bite happened while the person bitten was lawfully on private property (like a guest or delivery person).

However, there are exceptions. For example, if the person bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner may not be held fully responsible. That’s why every case can differ slightly, and legal advice may be useful.

Step 6: Contact a Dog Bites Attorney (If Needed)

If the bite caused serious injury, led to high medical costs, or resulted in lost wages, speaking with a dog bite attorney may be helpful. They can explain your rights, help file an insurance claim, or represent you in court if the case goes to court.

On the other hand, if your dog bit someone, you may also want legal guidance to understand your responsibilities and whether you could face civil liability or fines.

A local firm such as KKG Law Offices can assist clients in understanding the legal process after a dog bite and help explore the next steps based on the situation.

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company

If you’re a dog owner and your pet has bitten someone, report the incident to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. Many policies include liability coverage for dog bites. Providing accurate and timely information can help with the claim process.

If you’re the victim, determine if the dog owner has insurance that may cover your medical expenses or other losses. In some cases, their insurance company may reach out to you directly after you file a report.

Step 8: Cooperate with Authorities

Sometimes, an investigation may follow a bite — especially if the injury is severe or the dog has a history of aggression. Animal control officers or law enforcement may visit to gather information or check the dog’s living conditions.

Whether you’re the owner or the person bitten, it’s important to cooperate respectfully and provide honest answers.

California authorities may:

Quarantine the dog briefly (usually 10 days) to check for rabies.
Evaluate if the dog is potentially dangerous or vicious.
Decide whether to issue citations or require behavioral training for the dog.

Step 9: Know What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone

It can be scary and upsetting when your own pet bites another person. Still, it’s important to take calm, responsible action. If you’re wondering what to do if your dog bites someone.

Offer medical help or call for emergency services if needed.
Provide your contact info and vaccination records.
Keep your dog secure and away from others.
Report the incident to local animal control.
Contact your insurance provider and consider legal advice.

Also, schedule a check-up with your vet or consult a dog trainer or behaviorist to understand what caused the bite and how to prevent future issues.

Step 10: Monitor for Signs of Infection or Emotional Impact

Physical healing is just one part of recovery. Dog bites can leave behind emotional scars, especially for children or those with anxiety. Look for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or fever, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Don’t hesitate to speak with a counselor or mental health professional if the experience causes fear, sleep problems, or emotional distress. Bites may be quick, but the impact can last long after closing the wound.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do immediately after a dog bite can help protect your health, your rights, and your peace of mind. Acting quickly and responsibly is key, whether you were bitten or your dog was involved.

In California, following the law, reporting the incident, and getting proper care are all essential steps. While not every bite leads to legal action, being informed ensures you’re prepared — no matter which side of the incident you’re on.

Consulting a professional is a smart move if you’re unsure what steps to take or how local laws apply to your situation. Whether it’s a dog bites attorney or a medical expert, help is available to guide you through the process safely and calmly.