It is understandable to worry about what will happen to the dog, especially if it belongs to someone you know. However, reporting a bite does not automatically mean the dog will be in trouble. In most cases, the dog is confined and observed for about 10 days to rule out rabies. Depending on the circumstances, the owner may also be required to follow certain conditions, such as improving fencing or keeping the dog on a leash.
Below, we explain what the quarantine involves, what animal control does with your report, when a dog is declared dangerous, and how outcomes differ from case to case.
What usually happens after a bite is reported:
- The bite is reported to animal control or the local health department.
- The dog is confined and observed for about 10 days, usually at home.
- An officer may check the dog’s vaccination records and any history of previous bites or other incidents.
- The owner may be required to follow conditions such as improving fencing, keeping the dog on a leash, or using a muzzle.
- In more serious or repeated cases, the dog may be declared dangerous.
Will the Dog Be Put Down If I Report the Bite?
Reporting a dog bite does not automatically mean the dog will be put down, and in many cases, euthanasia is not the outcome. People sometimes imagine animal control arriving and immediately taking the dog away, but the usual process is less dramatic.
People are sometimes told by the dog owner, a neighbour, or someone else that reporting the bite will result in the dog being destroyed. That is not how the process works. What happens depends on local laws and the circumstances of the bite.
There are situations where authorities may take more serious action. For example, a dog may be euthanised if it:
- Shows signs of rabies during the observation period. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, so authorities may require the dog to be euthanised and tested if there are signs of infection.
- Causes a very serious injury. A severe or life-threatening attack may be treated differently from a minor bite, particularly when a child has been seriously injured.
- Has a history of previous attacks. A dog that has repeatedly bitten people or has been considered dangerous may face stricter restrictions or more serious consequences.
These decisions generally follow an investigation and a single dog bite does not automatically mean the dog will be euthanised. Reporting the bite can also be important for protecting your own health, particularly when rabies vaccination status is unclear, which we cover in the next section.
The 10-Day Quarantine Explained
Quarantine simply means the dog is kept confined and observed for a set period, usually about 10 days. It is a public health precaution rather than a punishment.
The reason for the 10-day observation period is straightforward. If a dog is capable of transmitting rabies when it bites someone, it will generally develop signs of illness during the observation period. If the dog remains healthy throughout the 10 days, it could not have been infectious with rabies at the time of the bite. The CDC recommends this observation period for dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite a person.
Usually, the dog is quarantined at its owner’s home. Rules differ slightly by state, and many health departments publish their own guidance, such as Wisconsin’s quarantine requirements. Vaccinated dogs are still observed. A current vaccination makes rabies very unlikely, but it does not remove the quarantine requirement.
What Animal Control Does With Your Report
Once a dog bite is reported, the process is usually fairly routine.
- An officer contacts the owner. This will often happen within a day or two of the report, depending on the local agency.
- The dog’s rabies vaccination is checked. The owner may be asked to provide vaccination records.
- The officer asks what happened. They may speak with you, the dog owner, and anyone else who witnessed the bite.
- The dog’s history is checked. The officer may look for previous reports involving the same dog or other complaints about the owner.
- The quarantine location is determined. The dog can usually be observed at home. If it cannot be safely confined there, other options are available.
Citations are sometimes issued for things like an unlicensed dog, an out-of-date vaccination, or a broken leash law.
The findings go into a written report, usually finalized shortly after the observation period ends. When you report the bite, ask for the case or incident number and find out how you can request a copy of the report. This is exactly the kind of evidence that can help support your claim for compensation.
If you have not reported the bite yet, What to Do After a Dog Bite covers how.
When a Dog Is Declared “Dangerous”
Many areas can formally label a dog as dangerous. This may happen when a dog causes a serious injury, bites someone without provocation, or has a history of previous attacks. The process generally involves an investigation and, depending on local law, a hearing where the owner can respond to the allegations and potentially appeal the decision.
A dangerous dog label can also come with conditions the owner must follow, such as:
- Registering the dog. The dog may need to be registered with the local authority.
- Providing a secure enclosure. The dog may have to be kept in a locked yard that meets specific safety requirements.
- Using a muzzle and leash in public. The owner may be required to use both when taking the dog outside.
- Displaying warning signs. Signs may need to be posted at the property to warn visitors about the dog.
- Maintaining liability insurance or a bond. The owner may be required to maintain coverage or financial security for potential future injuries.
- Microchipping or neutering the dog. Some areas may require one or both.
These rules exist to prevent another incident rather than automatically remove the dog from its owner. More serious action is usually only considered when a dog causes a severe injury, attacks again after being classified as dangerous, or the owner repeatedly fails to follow the required conditions.
What to Do Next
Reporting the bite can help protect your health and creates an official record of what happened. If you have not taken the immediate steps yet, start with What to Do After a Dog Bite.
If you think you may have a claim, What Proof Do You Need for a Dog Bite Claim? explains why the animal control record can be so important.
And if you are not sure whether any of this applies to your situation, a free case review with an experienced dog bite attorney is a simple way to find out where you stand.
Most people never expect to deal with a dog bite until it happens. That’s why we created Dog Bite Help Center — to help victims understand their rights and the legal process. We are not a law firm. We connect people with experienced dog bite attorneys across the United States, and every article is reviewed by attorneys in our network to help ensure accuracy. The information on this site is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. For advice about your own situation, consult a licensed attorney.