How To Report a Dog Bite in New York

If you were bitten by a dog in New York, reporting the incident is an important step for both your health and your legal records. A report can help public health officials assess rabies risk, document what happened, and create an official record of the attack.

Do I need to report a dog bite in New York?

Yes, a dog bite should be reported in New York. In New York City, the rule is very clear: NYC Health says any type of animal bite must be reported within 24 hours of the event.

Outside New York City, county health departments also treat animal bites as reportable events. For example, Ulster County says all animal bites must be reported to the county health department, and Ontario County says all animal bites or potential rabies exposures must be reported to the county health department under New York State law.

Who should I contact to report a dog bite?

If the bite happened in New York City, report it to NYC Health within 24 hours. NYC also says you can report an animal bite through 311, and Veterinary Public Health Services uses those reports to follow up with the animal, the owner, and the person bitten to assess rabies risk.

If the bite happened elsewhere in New York, contact your county health department as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, you may also need to contact local animal control or the police, especially if the dog is still loose, the owner is unknown, or there is an immediate safety concern.

What information should I include in the report?

When reporting a dog bite, try to gather as much accurate information as you can. NYC’s reporting system is used to coordinate follow-up involving the animal, the owner, and the person bitten, so clear identifying details are useful. Good documentation can also help preserve a record of what happened after the attack.

Helpful details include:

• The date, time, and location of the bite.
• The dog owner’s name and contact information, if known.
• A description of the dog.
• Whether the dog appeared to have tags or vaccination information.
• The names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Photos of the injury, the scene, and torn clothing if available.

What if the dog was aggressive or you think it may be dangerous?

New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 123 says that any person who witnesses an attack or threatened attack, or an adult acting on behalf of a minor, may make a complaint to a dog control officer or police officer in the appropriate municipality. The law also says the officer must inform the complainant of the right to start a proceeding, and if there is reason to believe the dog is dangerous, the officer must commence the proceeding.

The same statute says a complaint under oath or affirmation may be made to a municipal judge or justice, who can determine whether there is probable cause to believe the dog is dangerous. If the court finds the dog is dangerous, it may order measures such as evaluation, confinement, leash restrictions, muzzling, or liability insurance.

What happens after you report the bite?

In New York City, the health department says reports are used to coordinate follow-up with the animal, the owner, and the bitten person to assess rabies risk. NYC Health also notes that guidance may be provided on next steps for the person who was bitten.

If a dangerous dog complaint is pursued under Section 123, the law provides for a hearing and possible court orders if the dog is found to be dangerous. The statute also says that the owner or lawful custodian of a dangerous dog can be strictly liable for medical costs resulting from injury caused by that dog, and it does not eliminate other possible legal claims under common law or other statutes.

Should you still get medical care even if you report the bite?

Yes. NYC Health’s dog bite guidance says you should wash the wound with soap and water, contact your doctor for care instructions, and report the bite or call 311. Reporting the bite is important, but it should not replace prompt medical attention.

Why reporting matters after a dog bite

Reporting a dog bite can protect more than one person. It helps public health officials evaluate rabies concerns, creates a record of the event, and may also support a dangerous dog complaint or later insurance and injury documentation.

For victims, that official record can become especially important if injuries worsen, medical bills grow, or questions come up later about what happened and when.