Dog bites are more common than many Canadians realize. Whether you’re taking a walk through your neighbourhood, visiting a friend’s home, or playing in a public park, a dog bite can happen unexpectedly and have serious medical and legal consequences. At the moment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or confused about what to do next. That’s why knowing the steps to take immediately after a dog bite incident is essential.
As personal injury lawyers, we often see clients make small mistakes early on that hurt their chances of getting fair compensation later. To protect your health and your rights, here’s a straightforward guide on what you should do right after being bitten by a dog in Canada.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first. Even if the injury appears small, dog bites can result in serious complications such as infections, nerve damage, or even exposure to diseases like rabies. If the skin has been broken, head to a medical clinic, urgent care centre, or hospital as soon as possible.
A medical professional will clean and treat the wound, assess your risk of infection, and may recommend a tetanus shot or antibiotics. Be sure to keep copies of all medical records and bills. These documents are crucial if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
As soon as it’s safe, identify the dog that bit you and the person responsible for it. Ask for the dog owner’s name, contact information, and any details about the dog’s vaccination status. This step is crucial if you’re unsure whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
If the dog’s owner is not cooperative or loose without a visible owner, contact your local animal control or bylaw enforcement office. They may be able to locate the owner and check the dog’s history of aggression or past incidents.
3. Report the Incident to Animal Control or Local Authorities
In Canada, many municipalities require dog bite incidents to be reported to animal services or the police. Reporting the bite creates an official record of the event, which can be helpful for both public safety and your potential legal case.
Animal control may investigate whether the dog has a history of aggressive behaviour or if the owner violated any local leash or containment laws. These findings can support your case when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
4. Document Everything
From a legal standpoint, evidence is everything. Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible and continue to take updated pictures throughout the healing process—also, photograph where the bite occurred and anything else relevant, like torn clothing or blood-stained items.
If there were any witnesses to the biting incident, ask them for contact information and a brief description of what they saw. Their testimony can help prove how the bite occurred and whether the dog was unprovoked.
Keep a journal documenting your recovery, including pain levels, emotional distress, time missed from work and any other impacts on your daily life. This can help your lawyer calculate the appropriate compensation for damages.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice
In many cases, the dog owner’s home insurance policy may cover injuries caused by their pet. However, insurance companies are known to minimize payouts or deny valid claims. They may contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement—don’t accept anything or make official statements without first speaking to a personal injury lawyer.
A skilled lawyer can evaluate whether the offer is fair based on your medical costs, lost income, emotional distress, and long-term effects. Once you accept a settlement, you may lose your right to pursue further compensation.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Familiar with Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite laws vary from province to province, and liability can be complex depending on the circumstances. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Canada can help you understand your rights and build a strong compensation case.
In Ontario, for example, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. However, proving the extent and impact of your injuries still requires solid legal work.
A personal injury lawyer will guide you through the entire process, deal with insurers, gather evidence and represent your best interests in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
