# Bitten by a dog: what to do > Wash the bite with soap and warm water, cover it, and see a doctor, even for a small bite. Get the owner’s name and the dog’s rabies shot records, take photos, and report the bite to animal control or the health department. The owner’s homeowners or renters insurance often pays. - URL: https://explained.page/dog-bite - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=dog-bite ## Step by step 1. **Bitten by a dog?** Dog bites can be serious, even small ones. Here’s what to do, step by step. 2. **Wash the bite with soap and warm water.** Then cover it with a clean bandage. If it’s bleeding, press on it with a clean cloth. 3. **See a doctor, even for a small bite.** Bites can get infected. A doctor can also check whether you need a tetanus or rabies shot. 4. **Get the owner’s name and phone number.** Ask if the dog’s rabies shots are up to date, and ask for proof if you can. 5. **Take photos of the bite and the place it happened.** Take more photos as it heals. They show how serious it was. 6. **Report the bite.** Call animal control or the local health department. Many places require dog bites to be reported. 7. **The dog may be watched for 10 days.** Health officials often check that the dog stays healthy for 10 days. That helps rule out rabies. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 9. **Who pays for the medical bills?** Often the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. Rules about owner responsibility differ by state. A free call with an injury lawyer can help. ## Checklist - Wash and cover the bite - See a doctor - Get the owner’s name and phone - Ask for rabies shot records - Take photos - Report the bite ## First aid Wash the bite with soap and warm water, then cover it with a clean bandage. If it’s bleeding, press on it with a clean cloth. ## See a doctor Even small bites can get infected. A doctor can check whether you need a tetanus shot or rabies treatment. ## Get information - The owner’s name, address and phone number - Whether the dog’s rabies shots are up to date, with proof if possible - Names of any witnesses ## Report it Call animal control or the local health department. Many places require bites to be reported. Health officials often watch the dog for 10 days to help rule out rabies. ## Who pays? Often the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. Rules about the owner’s responsibility differ by state. If the bite was serious, a free call with an injury lawyer can help. ## Common questions ### Do I need a rabies shot? It depends on the dog’s vaccination status and whether it can be watched. A doctor or the health department will advise you. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/do-i-need-a-rabies-shot ### What if it was a friend’s dog? Claims usually go to the owner’s insurance, not the friend personally. Many people still choose to file for medical bills. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/what-if-it-was-a-friends-dog ### What if a stray dog bit me? See a doctor right away and report the bite to animal control or the health department. If the dog can’t be found and watched, you may need rabies shots. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/what-if-a-stray-dog-bit-me ### Do I have to report a bite from my own dog? Many places require any bite that breaks the skin to be reported. Check with your local health department or animal control. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/do-i-have-to-report-a-bite-from-my-own-dog ### Will a dog be put down after biting someone? Rarely for a first bite. Most dogs are watched for 10 days and returned. Serious or repeat cases may lead to other steps, depending on local law. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/will-a-dog-be-put-down-after-biting-someone ### What are signs a dog bite is infected? Redness that spreads, swelling, warmth, pus, more pain, or a fever. See a doctor right away if you notice any of these. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/what-are-signs-a-dog-bite-is-infected ### How long do I have to file a dog bite claim? It depends on your state’s deadline for injury claims, often two to three years. Don’t wait: evidence and witness memories fade. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-file-a-dog-bite-claim ### Does renters insurance cover dog bites? Often yes, through liability coverage, but some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history. The dog owner should check their policy. Source page: https://explained.page/dog-bite/questions/does-renters-insurance-cover-dog-bites ## Official sources - [CDC: rabies](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/) - [USA.gov](https://www.usa.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your county] animal control report dog bite" - "[your county] health department" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.