San Diego County
Dog Bite Attorneys

If you are bitten by a dog in San Diego County, your first priority should be cleaning the wound thoroughly and seeking medical care right away. Even seemingly minor bites can become infected or lead to scarring if not treated properly. It’s also important to document how the incident happened and get the dog owner’s information if possible, as this helps with reporting and any future legal steps.

In San Diego, dog bites that break the skin should be reported to the county’s animal services or public health department. Reporting an incident ensures that the dog’s vaccination status is checked and helps protect others in your community. Many people don’t realize that medical providers may also file the report for you when they treat your injuries.

CLICK HERE to report a dog bite.

After a bite, it’s helpful to note the location, date and time of the incident, and get photos of your injuries. Try to get the dog owner’s name, contact details, and vaccination records if possible, and speak with any witnesses who saw what happened. This information can be critical later for insurance claims or pursuing compensation.

San Diego County Animal Services usually investigates reported dog bites to verify vaccination records and assess whether the dog poses a continuing risk. The dog may be quarantined or observed for signs of disease, and the owner may be contacted to provide required documentation. This process serves public safety and can strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal action.

Not every dog bite is automatically reported, but bites that break the skin or cause injury should definitely be. Reporting helps public health officials look into rabies risk and determine whether follow-up is needed. Creating an official record also supports your medical and legal documentation.

Dog bite injuries often include puncture wounds, deep cuts, bruising, and sometimes nerve or tendon damage. Treatment usually involves cleaning the wound, antibiotics to prevent infection, tetanus shots if needed, and stitches or surgery depending on severity. Prompt medical care can reduce the risk of complications and ensure proper healing.

Children are often at higher risk for dog bite injuries, especially in neighborhoods with many off-leash areas or busy sidewalks. Teach kids not to approach unknown dogs, to ask owners before petting, and to avoid disturbing dogs that are eating or sleeping. Being aware and proactive around both familiar and unfamiliar dogs can significantly reduce incidents.

You should contact San Diego animal control as soon as possible after a bite, especially if you don’t know the dog’s vaccination history or the bite broke your skin. Early reporting allows authorities to assess rabies risk and start any necessary quarantine protocols for the dog. Quick action also helps protect your health and preserve evidence for insurance or legal purposes.

Yes, dog bites can become infected days after the injury, even if the wound initially seemed minor. Symptoms like swelling, redness, warmth, or fever mean you should seek medical attention right away. Because bacteria from a dog’s mouth can penetrate deep into tissue, delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.

If you are bitten by a stray dog in San Diego, you should report it right away so animal services can try to locate and quarantine the animal. Stray bites raise greater concern because the dog’s vaccination history and health status are unknown. Prompt reporting helps protect you and others from potential diseases like rabies, and it creates an official record that may be important later.