What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone

Even the best dogs can bite if they’re scared or provoked. If your dog bites someone, how you respond to this event can strongly influence the victim’s decision to seek litigation.

From reporting the incident to animal liability insurance, here’s what you should do if your dog bites another person.

Dog Bite Incident Steps

If your dog bites someone, you’re bound to be upset, worried, and even shocked. It is crucial to react quickly and follow these seven steps.

1. Stay Calm and Secure Your Dog

It may sound obvious, but remain calm. Any heated emotion could incite your dog to bite again. Move your dog away from the other person and the situation by placing them in another space or in their crate.

2. Seek Immediate Care

Next, focus on the injured person. They need to know that you’re taking this situation seriously. Remain caring and sympathetic, and suggest they wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap. No matter how minor an injury appears, it’s essential to seek immediate medical care. Complications like infections can turn serious quickly.

You can contact a medical professional or an ambulance if needed, or offer the person a ride to the hospital if it’s someone you know.

3. Exchange Contact Information

Whether it is required in your state or not, you should always exchange contact information with the person who has been injured. Neglecting this step could make it seem like you’re trying to hide your identity — something that could work against you in court if the situation becomes more serious.

If you already have pet insurance, show your proof of insurance to the victim if possible.

4. Document the Incident

Document everything to establish a record for liability and insurance purposes in the event the incident escalates or the victim attempts to fabricate any circumstances. Make sure to:

• Get the contact information of any witnesses.
• Note what happened before the bite occurred.
• Take pictures of the dog bite and the scene.
• Find out if there’s a nearby Ring camera or video surveillance of the incident.

5. Report the Dog Bite

Regardless of your local dog bite report requirements, you should contact authorities, remain straightforward about the incident, and comply with their orders. This behavior proves your willingness to cooperate.

6. Provide Proof of Rabies Vaccination

Contact your veterinarian for any necessary medical records and proof that your dog’s rabies vaccination is current. Doing so spares the victim of rabies treatment and reduces the length of your dog’s quarantine if required by local dog bite laws.

7. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a dog bite. Many homeowners or renters policies include personal liability coverage for a victim’s medical bills or legal fees.

The Importance of Dog Bite Liability Insurance

While the above suggestions can help defuse a dog bite incident, the victim may still seek legal action against you. Even if a bite seems harmless, these incidents can result in a time-consuming and potentially expensive lawsuit.

In many states, you are liable for any injuries your pet may cause, with a few exceptions, such as provocation. The national average cost, on a per-claim basis, has increased by over 86% from 2015 to 2024, reaching $69,272. How, then, can pet owners protect against these damages?

Don’t automatically assume your homeowners policy covers your dog. Make sure you have animal liability insurance.

Whatever the breed, whatever the location, XINSURANCE can provide you with a pet liability solution. If your dog bites, liability insurance can help protect against the costs of litigation, court fees, medical treatment for the victim, and any amounts that may be awarded by the court in a lawsuit. While coverage is based on limits and policy terms, XINSURANCE can help minimize financial damage and maximize peace of mind.

Get a Personalized Quote for Pet Liability Insurance

While there are many reasons a dog may bite, XINSURANCE can provide the coverage solutions you need. We can help even if your dog has a history of biting or is a breed that’s considered “dangerous.”

Request a quote today for dog liability insurance solutions.

Last updated on 11/25/2025

Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE

Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.