What To Do After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles

A dog bite can be a frightening and chaotic experience. Whether it’s a stray in the street or a neighbor’s pet, you might be unsure about what steps to take in the aftermath. Your health and safety come first, but there are also important legal and reporting steps, especially here in California where dog bite laws are very victim-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a dog bite in Los Angeles:  

Get to Safety

Put distance between yourself and the dog to prevent further injury. If the dog is still aggressive or not restrained, get behind a barrier between you and the dog. This might mean ducking into a car, behind a fence, or into a building. Yell for help if others are nearby – they might assist in pulling the dog away or restraining it. In a public area like a park or street, getting behind a barrier or into a car or building can be a good move. Your priority is to ensure the attack is over.  

Seek Medical Attention

In Los Angeles, you’re fortunate to have many urgent care centers and hospitals nearby. Don’t hesitate to use them.  

Why See a Doctor for a Dog Bite?

First, to properly clean and treat the wound (you might need stitches or antibiotics). Second, to document your injuries in medical records. This documentation will be important if you later pursue a legal claim. Finally, to address the risk of rabies or other diseases. Rabies in dogs is rare in Southern California, but it’s not zero risk – and the protocol if a dog’s vaccination status is unknown is to start rabies post-exposure shots. Medical professionals will evaluate that and also give you a tetanus booster if needed. Many dog bite victims initially think “It’s not that bad,” only to end up with a serious infection or complications a couple days later. It’s better to be safe and get checked out.  

Los Angeles County has large emergency departments that are experienced with treating animal bites, like the USC Medical Center or UCLA Ronald Reagan ER. If your injuries are severe (deep lacerations, uncontrollable bleeding, or bites to the face or neck), call 911 for an ambulance. For less severe bites, an urgent care clinic can often clean and dress the wound and prescribe antibiotics. The bottom line: don’t skip medical care.  

Report the Incident to Authorities

California law requires that all dog bites be reported to local health authorities. In Los Angeles County, that means reporting the bite to the L.A. County Department of Public Health (Veterinary Public Health Program) or local animal control. You or the healthcare provider who treats you should complete an official bite report within 24 hours. Reporting is vital for a few reasons:  

Rabies Control

When a bite is reported, it triggers a process where the offending dog is located and quarantined (usually for 10 days) to observe for rabies symptoms. This protects you and the community.  

Official Record

The report creates an official record of the attack, which can serve as evidence if you pursue a legal claim. It also puts the incident on file in case the dog has a history or bites someone else in the future.  

It’s the Law

Failing to report a dog bite can carry penalties, and it can also jeopardize your potential claim. Don’t agree to any request from a dog owner to “keep it quiet.” Even if the owner is cooperative or apologetic, you need to go through proper channels for your own protection.  

You can report a dog bite in Los Angeles by contacting L.A. County Animal Control or the Veterinary Public Health department. They have an online Animal Bite Reporting Form you can submit, or you can call their office during business hours. If you’re in the city of L.A., you can also call Los Angeles Animal Services at 888-452-7381 and they will guide you. If the bite occurred in a different jurisdiction (Pasadena, Long Beach, etc.), there may be a local animal control agency – but if you call the county, they will direct you appropriately.  

Exchange Information and Document Everything

Get the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner. Also, ask for the dog’s vaccination records if available (particularly rabies vaccination status). If there were any witnesses (neighbors, passersby), get their names and phone numbers as well. If you have your phone with you, take photos immediately – both of your injuries and the scene. If the dog’s owner is present, you might photograph the dog (safely, from a distance) and any relevant area (like an open gate if the dog ran out, or the absence of a leash, etc.). These pieces of evidence can be extremely helpful later. Memories fade, and stories can change – but photos and written information stay solid. Also, keep copies of all medical treatment documents you receive (hospital discharge papers, prescriptions, etc.), and later on, keep track of expenses related to the bite.  

Understand Your Legal Rights Under California Law

As mentioned, California’s dog bite law (Civil Code § 3342) is on the victim’s side. It doesn’t matter if the dog had no history of aggression; the owner is still liable to compensate you for your injuries. Rottweilers or Chihuahuas, purebred or mutt – legally, all dogs are treated the same under this law. What this means for you: you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages if you have to miss work, pain and suffering, and even future treatment (like therapy for trauma or cosmetic surgery for scars). It’s important to not sign any settlement or make any agreements with the dog owner or their insurance right away. Often, insurance companies will try to get to you quickly with a lowball offer if they know you’re not yet aware of your rights. Take your time and consider speaking to an attorney before agreeing to anything.  

Contact a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed and the bite is reported, consider reaching out to a dog bite lawyer, especially if your injuries are significant. A local Los Angeles dog bite attorney will be well-versed in California’s dog bite laws and can advise you for free in an initial consultation. They can help gather further evidence (like animal control reports, medical expert opinions on your injuries, etc.), deal with the dog owner’s insurance company on your behalf and help you pursue a claim for full compensation. Many people worry that hiring a lawyer means they are “suing” their neighbor or friend (in cases where the dog belonged to someone they know). Keep in mind, in most cases you’re actually making a claim against an insurance policy, not them personally. Also, hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re automatically filing a lawsuit – often, it just means your lawyer will negotiate with the insurer and only file suit if necessary.  

As you handle the aftermath, remember that the law is there to protect you and there are professionals (lawyers, doctors, animal control officers) whose job is to help in situations like this. You’re not inconveniencing anyone by reporting the bite or by seeking compensation for your injuries – you’re simply exercising your rights and looking out for your well-being.  

For example, J&Y Law has helped many dog bite victims across Los Angeles. “One of the biggest mistakes bite victims make is not getting things documented right away,” says Alexander Boris, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law. “If you don’t report the incident or gather evidence, it can weaken your case later. We always tell people: take care of your health first, but as soon as you can, take photos, get witness names, and make that report to Animal Control. It not only helps your claim, it also helps protect others from that dog.” Following these steps can strengthen your case significantly if you decide to pursue a claim.  

After a Dog Bite, You’re Not Alone

Los Angeles is a big city with lots of dogs, and unfortunately dog bites happen more often than people realize. By staying calm and following the steps above, you’ll protect both your health and your legal rights. And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next, we’re here to help. At J&Y Law, we can guide you through the medical, insurance, and legal maze that follows a serious dog bite. The first consultation is always free, and we’re happy to answer your questions so you can make informed decisions.  

What Are the First Things I Should Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?

Your priority is safety and medical care. Get away from the dog to prevent further injury, then assess your wounds. Clean the area with soap and water and control any bleeding with pressure. Seek medical attention as soon as possible – even for small bites – because of infection risk. Also, try to identify the dog and its owner and get contact information for reporting. Once you’re stable, report the bite to animal authorities and consider contacting a lawyer if the injuries are serious. Essentially: safety, medical care, documentation, and reporting are the immediate steps.  

Should I Really Go to the Doctor if the Bite Seems Minor?

Yes. Even minor puncture wounds can be deceiving. A bite on the hand, for example, might look like just a small pinprick but can introduce bacteria deep into tissue or joints. Infections from dog bites can spread quickly and become serious. A doctor will properly clean the wound (they might need to irrigate it deeply), give you necessary shots (tetanus, rabies if needed), and prescribe antibiotics if there’s infection risk. They’ll also document the injury. Going to the doctor isn’t overreacting – it’s a precaution that could prevent a hospital stay later. If the bite truly is very minor, a doctor will simply clean it and give care instructions, which is peace of mind for you.  

Do I Have to Report a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

Yes, legally you should, and it’s in your best interest to do so. California regulations state that dog bites must be reported to the local health department or animal control. In Los Angeles County, you can file a report with the Department of Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health division (they have an online form and phone line). Reporting the bite starts the rabies quarantine process for the dog and creates an official record. This record can support your case if you pursue a claim. Also, if you don’t report and the dog bites someone else next week, there’d be no prior record to potentially hold the owner accountable. It’s about public safety as well. Don’t worry that reporting will automatically mean the dog is taken away or euthanized. In most cases, if it’s a first bite, the dog is just quarantined and evaluated, not immediately put down.  

What if the Dog’s Owner Asks Me Not to Report the Bite or to “Handle It Privately”?

You may encounter an owner who is worried about their dog and suggests paying your medical bills out-of-pocket if you keep quiet. While they might have good intentions (or just fear consequences for the dog), it’s important to follow the proper procedures. If you don’t report the bite, you risk missing critical health precautions (like verifying rabies status) and you lose the official documentation of what happened. Additionally, that owner’s offer to pay your bills might disappear if costs grow or if they change their mind – you want an official record and typically their insurance involved to ensure all your expenses (including ones that aren’t immediately obvious) are covered. Politely let them know that you appreciate their concern, but by law and for safety, the incident needs to be reported. You can assure them that reporting doesn’t necessarily mean their dog will be taken from them; it’s mainly about health protocols.  

Will the Dog or Owner Get Into Legal Trouble When I Report?

By reporting, you are simply following public health law. For a first-time bite where the injuries aren’t severe, the likely outcome is that the dog will be quarantined, and the owner will be instructed on safety measures (like ensuring vaccinations are up to date). The owner could get a warning or a citation if, say, local leash laws were violated or if they didn’t license their dog properly. Serious legal “trouble” for the owner (like criminal charges) is rare unless the circumstances are extreme – for example, if the owner intentionally set the dog on someone, or the dog was known to be extremely dangerous, and the owner was egregiously negligent. As for the dog, reporting alone doesn’t mean it will be taken away or euthanized. It will be assessed during quarantine. Only if the dog is deemed vicious or the attack was severe might there be further actions, like a hearing to determine if the dog is dangerous. California law often gives dogs (and owners) a chance to correct behavior after a first incident, possibly with requirements like training or better containment. The goal of reporting isn’t to punish the dog unless it’s truly dangerous; it’s to protect public health and document the incident. So, you shouldn’t feel guilty or hesitant – you’re doing what’s necessary to keep everyone safe. And if the owner was truly irresponsible, then any legal repercussions that follow are a result of their actions, not your reporting.  

Do I Also Need to File a Police Report or Is the Animal Control Report Enough?

In most cases, the animal control (health department) report is sufficient. You do not typically need a separate police report for a dog bite. However, if the bite was part of a larger criminal situation (for example, the dog owner assaulted you or intentionally ordered the dog to attack you), then police would get involved in that criminal aspect. For a straightforward dog bite incident, stick with animal control. They will share information with law enforcement if necessary. Some victims like to document everything and may go to a local police station to file an incident report as well – you can do this but be aware the police might just forward it to animal control. One scenario where you might call the police at the time of the incident is if the dog owner is behaving aggressively towards you or refuses to contain the dog – then police can respond to ensure everyone’s safety. But after the fact, the official channel is animal control/health authorities. If you’re unsure, there’s no harm in calling the non-emergency police line and asking; they’ll direct you appropriately. In Los Angeles, LAPD and county sheriff departments frequently coordinate with animal control on dog incidents, so either way the information will end up in the right hands.  

Stay focused on your recovery. Then call J&Y Law at (424) 453-2310 to review your legal options.