Practical next steps
What to Do After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
The first priorities after an attack are safety, appropriate medical care and preserving reliable information about what happened.
Immediate priorities
1. Get to safety
Move away from the animal and address urgent medical needs first.
2. Identify the dog and owner
Record names, contact details, location and available ownership information.
3. Preserve evidence
Take photographs, identify witnesses and keep medical, expense and communication records.
Detailed guides
Full step-by-step guide
What to document and what practical questions to consider.
How to report a dog bite
How to locate the appropriate local authority.
Evidence checklist
A structured list of records and information worth preserving.
Medical emergencies come first. This website is not a substitute for emergency or medical care.