Dog bites are more common than many people realize — and when they happen, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Beyond the pain and shock, one critical question often comes up: Do I have to report the dog bite?
In New Jersey, the answer isn’t just a matter of choice — it can be a legal and public health requirement. Whether you were bitten, witnessed the incident, or are the dog’s owner, understanding when and how to report a bite can protect you from legal complications and ensure the right steps are taken to prevent further harm.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve helped countless clients navigate the legal and medical aftermath of dog bite injuries. In this article, we’ll break down New Jersey’s reporting requirements, what happens after a bite is reported, and why taking action right away can protect your health and your legal rights.
Is It Legally Required to Report a Dog Bite in New Jersey?
Yes — in many cases, reporting a dog bite is not only recommended, it’s required under New Jersey law.
New Jersey public health regulations require medical professionals to report any dog bite or animal bite they treat. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and private physicians must notify the local health department or animal control agency. This helps authorities take immediate steps to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies and assess the risk posed by the animal involved.
While the law specifically mandates medical professionals to report, anyone — including victims, witnesses, or the dog owner — can and should report a bite. Local municipalities may also have their own ordinances that require reporting animal bites to animal control, especially when injuries are involved.
Failing to report a bite could lead to public health risks, delayed treatment, or legal complications later. Reporting ensures there’s an official record, which can be critical if the situation escalates or if the victim decides to pursue legal action.
Who Should Report the Bite?
While medical professionals in New Jersey are legally required to report dog bites, the responsibility doesn’t end there. In fact, anyone involved in or aware of a dog bite incident can and should report it — including:
- The person who was bitten
- A parent or guardian of a child victim
- Witnesses to the incident
- The dog’s owner
- Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, urgent care staff)
Reporting a dog bite helps ensure that the situation is properly documented, the dog’s vaccination history is reviewed, and public health officials can intervene if necessary. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s always safer to let professionals evaluate the risk and take appropriate steps.
It’s also worth noting that timely reporting benefits everyone — including the dog’s owner. A clear record shows cooperation and may reduce the chance of more serious consequences later on, especially if the dog is up to date on vaccinations.
What Happens After a Dog Bite is Reported?
Once a dog bite is reported in New Jersey, a series of public health and safety protocols are set in motion. Local animal control officers or health department officials are typically dispatched to investigate the incident.
Here’s what usually happens next:
- The dog’s vaccination records are reviewed — especially the rabies vaccine. If records are not available, the dog may be considered unvaccinated.
- The dog is placed under a mandatory 10-day quarantine to monitor for signs of rabies. This quarantine can happen at the owner’s home, a vet’s office, or an animal shelter, depending on local policies and the circumstances.
- Animal control investigates the bite — interviewing the victim, witnesses, and dog owner. They assess whether the dog acted without provocation and determine if it poses a risk to others.
- A report is generated that becomes part of the official record. This documentation is critical in legal claims and dangerous dog determinations.
The goal of this process isn’t just punishment — it’s to protect the public, prevent further injuries, and ensure appropriate medical follow-up for the victim.
What If You Don’t Report a Dog Bite?
Failing to report a dog bite can lead to serious consequences — not just for the victim, but also for the dog’s owner and the broader community.
For victims:
Not reporting a bite may delay necessary medical treatment, especially if rabies exposure is a concern. If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, failure to report could put your health at risk. Additionally, without an official report, it may be harder to pursue a legal claim for compensation down the line.
For dog owners:
Choosing not to report a bite — or failing to cooperate with authorities — can escalate the situation. If the bite is discovered later, the owner may face fines, penalties, or legal liability. In New Jersey, even a first-time bite can expose the owner to strict liability under the law, and not reporting could be seen as an attempt to avoid responsibility.
For the public:
When bites go unreported, potentially dangerous dogs remain undocumented and unmonitored, which increases the risk of future attacks. Reporting helps ensure that public health officials can intervene before another person or animal is harmed.
In short, reporting protects everyone — and avoiding it only creates more risk.
How Reporting Helps Your Legal Case
If you’re considering pursuing a personal injury claim after a dog bite, reporting the incident isn’t just smart — it can be a vital part of building a strong legal case.
When you report a bite to animal control, they create an official report that documents key facts:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Description of the dog and its behavior
- The dog’s vaccination history
- Names and statements from the owner and witnesses
This report becomes critical evidence if you later seek compensation for your injuries. It helps establish that the incident occurred, confirms the identity of the dog and its owner, and may highlight prior aggression or failure to control the animal.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we often use animal control reports to support claims for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disability
The sooner a bite is reported, the more accurate and useful the report tends to be — and the easier it is for your attorney to hold the responsible party accountable.
Reporting a Dog Bite Doesn’t Always Mean the Dog Will Be Taken Away
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to report a dog bite — especially if it involves a neighbor’s pet or even their own dog — is the fear that the dog will be seized or euthanized. But in most cases, that’s not what happens. Read our post on how many times can a dog bite before being put down.
In New Jersey, a dog bite report triggers an investigation and a mandatory quarantine, not immediate removal. Authorities will first focus on:
- Rabies risk and vaccination status
- Circumstances of the bite (Was it provoked? Was the dog protecting itself or its owner?)
- History of prior incidents, if any
Unless the dog is found to be extremely aggressive, unvaccinated, or involved in repeated attacks, it is usually returned to the owner after the quarantine — with no further action taken beyond monitoring and, in some cases, additional safety requirements (like fencing or muzzling).
Reporting a bite is about public safety, not punishment. It ensures that proper steps are taken, and in many cases, it helps dog owners correct issues before things escalate.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Bitten?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, your first priorities are your health and safety — and then protecting your legal rights. Seek medical attention, report the bite to local authorities, and document your injuries.
For a full step-by-step guide on what to do after a dog bite, visit our detailed post: What to Do After a Dog Bite in New Jersey.
And if you’re considering legal action, don’t wait. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
In New Jersey, reporting a dog bite isn’t just a good idea — it’s often a legal requirement. Whether you’re the victim, a witness, or the dog’s owner, prompt reporting helps protect public health, ensures proper treatment, and creates a legal record if compensation is pursued.
If you’ve been involved in a dog bite incident, contact The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C. at (908) 279-7979 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
