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Get to safety first
If a dog has attacked you, move away from the animal as soon as you can and get to a safe place. Do not try to argue with the owner or chase the dog.
If the injury is serious, call 999 immediately. If you can do so safely, ask someone nearby to help and keep others away from the dog.
Get medical help and keep records
Even if the wound looks minor, get medical advice quickly. Dog bites can become infected, and some injuries need treatment that is not obvious at first.
Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. If your clothes were damaged, keep them, as they may help show what happened.
Report the attack
In the UK, report the incident to the police if the dog was dangerously out of control or if the owner acted recklessly. This is especially important if the attack happened in a public place or caused serious injury.
You should also contact your local council’s dog warden or animal control team. They may investigate the dog, the owner, and whether there is a risk to others.
Collect evidence
Write down everything you remember while it is still fresh. Include the date, time, exact location, what the dog looked like, and what the owner was doing.
Get the names and contact details of any witnesses. If there were nearby cameras, ask whether CCTV or doorbell footage may exist before it is deleted.
Consider compensation and legal advice
If you were injured, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. This can help cover medical costs, lost earnings, travel expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Speak to a solicitor who handles dog bite claims as soon as possible. In the UK, time limits can apply, so getting advice early helps protect your position.
Be careful with what you say
Stick to the facts when speaking to the owner, the police, or the council. Avoid apologising for the incident or saying you are “fine” if you are not sure yet.
Keep notes of any messages or conversations after the attack. If the owner offers money or asks you not to report it, do not agree until you have taken legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seek medical care first, then report the attack to animal control or the police, document injuries and the scene, identify the dog and owner if possible, and preserve evidence for any claim or lawsuit.
Yes, especially if the attack caused injury, the dog is loose, or the owner is uncooperative. A police report can create an official record that may help later.
Yes. Animal control can investigate the dog, verify vaccination status, and help create documentation that may be important for public safety and a legal claim.
Take photos of injuries, torn clothing, the location, and the dog if it is safe to do so. Get witness names and contact information, and keep medical records and bills.
Yes. Try to get the owner’s name, address, phone number, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information, and details about the dog, including breed and vaccination status if known.
Absolutely. Medical records document the extent of your injuries, treatment, and any complications, which are often critical in a legal claim.
Often yes. Many dog bite claims are handled through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. A claim may cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
As soon as possible. Immediate photos and notes help show the original severity of the injuries before they heal or change.
Yes. Keep damaged clothing, glasses, phones, or other items as evidence because they may support the nature and seriousness of the attack.
Yes. Write a detailed account while it is fresh in your memory, including the date, time, location, what the dog did, and who saw it.
You should still report it if you were injured or if there is a safety concern. An official report protects you and helps prevent future attacks.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with insurers, preserve evidence, and pursue compensation if your injuries are significant or liability is disputed.
Possible damages may include medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for scarring or permanent injury.
Report that information to animal control or police if you know it. Prior incidents can be important in proving negligence or dangerous propensities.
Yes. Following medical advice shows that you are taking your injuries seriously and helps document the progression and treatment of the harm.
Still report the incident and gather any information you can about the dog, its location, and any nearby witnesses. Authorities may be able to identify the owner.
Often yes. Where the attack happened does not automatically prevent a claim. Liability can depend on the owner’s conduct, local laws, and the facts of the incident.
You should still document the injury and seek medical advice if needed. Even scratches can become infected and may still support a legal claim.
Deadlines vary by location, so act quickly. Speaking with a lawyer or checking local law as soon as possible helps you avoid missing the statute of limitations.
Avoid delaying medical care, discarding evidence, giving recorded statements to insurers before understanding your rights, or admitting fault before the facts are reviewed.
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