Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional legal advice.
It’s a nightmare scenario for any dog owner when their four-legged friend bites another person, and it’s not always obvious exactly what you’re supposed to do in that situation. While it can be hard to imagine your dog biting someone, it’s always best to be prepared and learn what to do for the sake of safety. Read below for the blow-by-blow on what exactly you should do in the event that your dog bites someone.
The 5 Steps to Follow if Your Dog Bites Someone
1. Contain Your Dog & Contact the Authorities
The very first thing to do is to physically separate your dog from the victim. Stay calm and take your dog to a confined space nearby. That could be somewhere like their crate or a bathroom. If nobody has done it already, you may call the authorities after your dog is safely confined. Depending on the situation, this may involve a 911 call for medical help, contacting local police, or reaching out to your county’s Animal Services. Make sure your dog will be comfortable and safe until you get through the next steps.
2. Remain at the Scene
Depending on your state or local laws, you’re legally required to stay at the scene of the incident with your dog. You’ll also likely need to exchange contact information with the victim at this stage, and it’s a good idea to call and have someone bring your dog’s vaccination records too. Law enforcement or animal control will ask for your dog’s most up-to-date rabies shot, and if you don’t have that, they may need to place your dog under quarantine.
If possible/applicable, try to get the contact details of any witnesses to the incident.
3. Assess the Bite & Assist the Victim
After calling emergency services and reporting the bite, you should try to assess the victim’s bite and offer assistance. The most important thing to do with heavy bleeding bites is to put pressure on the wound and wash it as soon as possible to prevent infection. If possible, you can help the victim locate running water nearby before emergency services arrive. In some cases, the victim may be understandably upset, in which case you should remain calm and wait for medical professionals to arrive. Try to take photos of the wound in case there is any dispute later on, keeping in mind that bite wounds will usually swell and bruise significantly.
It’s natural to feel protective of your pet in this situation, but bear in mind that the bitten party is likely to be feeling pain and shock, and trying to defend your dog at this moment will not go over well. It is best to focus on the bite, and wait to talk about how it happened once everyone has calmed down.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Most dog bites, even those away from home, are typically covered under the average homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance. Coverage amounts vary by policy, but $100,000 is fairly standard, and of course, you’ll have to check the fine print for any caveats. For instance, some renter’s or homeowner’s policies may specify that they’ll only cover dog bite incidents that occur on your rented or owned property. Some pet insurance policies will also include some public liability cover, so it’s worth making sure you are covered, and being familiar with the policy. Contact your insurance provider for next steps.
5. What Happens After
Afterward, the victim may decide to sue you, in which case we strongly urge you to contact an attorney. What happens with your dog will depend on the severity of the injuries, whether your dog has bitten before, whether they are of a restricted breed, or if they should be muzzled in public. Minor incidents may simply result in a warning or an order to keep your dog muzzled in future, but serious bites may result in the seizure of your pet for assessment, or even euthanasia.
One of the consequences of your dog biting someone is usually paying for their medical bills, whether that’s out of pocket or via a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. However, some state laws are looser with liability than others. California holds dog owners to a high standard that almost never considers extenuating circumstances, while other states may interpret things differently in a legal manner.
Conclusion
We hope you never need to worry about your dog biting someone, but this guide can prepare you for how to handle the situation. As mentioned above, it’s a really good idea to get an attorney for more specific details on the laws in your state or area and what to expect. If you have pet insurance, it’s worth finding out if it includes public liability cover. If you have a large dog, particularly one that you think could bite someone, the sensible thing is to keep them muzzled in public and make sure you have the right insurance policy in place.
- Related read: How to Stop a Dog From Biting: 6 Expert Tips & Advice
Featured Image Credit: Piotr Wawzryniuk, Shutterstock
