Reporting a dog bite might not be your first instinct especially if the wound seems minor or the dog belongs to someone you know. But in Michigan, filing an official report is one of the most important steps you can take after an attack. It not only helps prevent future incidents by documenting dangerous dogs, but also creates a critical legal record that can support your personal injury claim. Whether the bite happened in public, at work, or on private property, knowing how and where to report it can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Why Reporting a Dog Bite Is So Important
Many dog bite victims hesitate to report the incident especially if the dog belongs to a friend, family member, or neighbor. But failing to report a bite can lead to serious consequences. Even a minor injury can develop into a major infection, and an unreported dog may go on to bite someone else. Here’s why reporting a dog bite in Michigan is so important:
- Public safety — Reporting helps animal control track potentially dangerous dogs and prevent future attacks
- Rabies risk — Verifying the dog’s vaccination status is crucial for your health and medical treatment
- Legal documentation — An official report creates a written record that can support an insurance claim or lawsuit
- Pattern of behavior — Authorities use reports to identify dogs with repeat offenses or prior aggression
- Required in many counties — Some local ordinances require all dog bites to be reported within 24–72 hours
Whether the bite broke the skin or caused serious injury, filing a report protects others and yourself.
Who You Should Contact After a Dog Bite in Michigan
Reporting a dog bite in Michigan typically involves more than one agency depending on where the attack occurred and how severe the injury is. In most cases, you’ll need to notify animal control, the local health department, and sometimes law enforcement, especially if the dog poses an ongoing threat or the owner cannot be located. The table below outlines who you should contact based on the type of incident and the local authority responsible for your area.
| 📍 Situation | 🏢 Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| 🏡 Bitten on private property | Local animal control and local health department |
| 🏞️ Bitten in a public area | Animal control and city/county law enforcement |
| 🚑 Severe injury or active threat | Call 911 and notify police immediately |
| ❓ Dog owner unknown or uncooperative | Animal control and health department |
| 🧾 Filing a formal report for records | Animal control (written incident report) |
| 🐾 Owner refuses to show vaccine proof | Health department for rabies follow-up |
Your local animal control agency is usually the first point of contact. They may initiate an investigation, request the dog’s vaccination records, or quarantine the animal if rabies is a concern.
What Information to Include in a Dog Bite Report
When reporting a dog bite, the more details you provide, the better. Whether you’re speaking with animal control, the health department, or a police officer, a thorough report helps authorities assess the situation and take appropriate action especially if the dog poses a continued risk. The table below outlines the key information you should gather before filing your report.
| 📝 Report Detail | 🔍 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date and time of incident | Helps establish a clear timeline for the bite and follow-up |
| 📍 Exact location | Determines which agency has jurisdiction over the case |
| 🐕 Dog description | Breed, size, color, and any identifying features |
| 👤 Dog owner’s info | Name, address, and contact details (if known) |
| 💉 Vaccine status | Rabies vaccination proof is critical for medical evaluation |
| 👁️ Witnesses | Contact info for anyone who saw the attack |
| 🤕 Description of injuries | Type, location, and severity of wounds |
| 📸 Photo or video evidence | Visual proof can support both the report and any legal claims |
Even if you don’t have all the information listed, report what you can. Authorities may be able to help you gather the rest during their investigation.
When Should You Report a Dog Bite?
In Michigan, you should report a dog bite as soon as possible ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. Prompt reporting helps protect your health, ensures public safety, and strengthens your legal position if you pursue a personal injury claim. Even if the wound seems minor or you know the dog’s owner, it’s still important to file a report. Delays can lead to:
- Difficulty verifying the dog’s vaccination status
- Problems establishing a legal record of the bite
- Challenges proving your case if you need to file a claim later
- Missed public health follow-up if rabies or infection is a concern
Some counties in Michigan have ordinances that require reporting within a specific timeframe. Contacting animal control or your local health department immediately helps you stay compliant and ensures the incident is officially documented.
How Reporting Supports a Personal Injury Claim
If you plan to file a personal injury claim after a dog bite, reporting the incident isn’t just helpful it’s essential. Insurance companies and courts rely on official reports to verify that the attack occurred, determine liability, and evaluate the seriousness of your injuries. The table below shows how reporting strengthens your claim and protects your right to compensation.
| ⚖️ Legal Benefit | 📋 How Reporting Helps |
|---|---|
| 🧾 Establishes documentation | Creates an official record with date, location, and parties involved |
| 🧠 Preserves details | Helps capture facts while they’re fresh, reducing disputes later |
| 💉 Supports medical evidence | Connects your injuries to the bite in a timely way |
| 👮 Aids in identifying the owner | In cases where the dog’s owner is unknown or uncooperative |
| 📞 Assists with insurance claims | Most insurance carriers require a formal report before considering payouts |
| 🧑⚖️ Strengthens legal case | Courts and attorneys use the report as evidence during settlement or trial |
Failing to report a bite can give the insurance company a reason to delay, dispute, or deny your claim even if your injuries are serious.
What Happens After You File a Dog Bite Report
Once you file a dog bite report in Michigan, local authorities will begin a follow-up process based on the severity of the incident and the information you provided. This process may involve investigating the dog’s history, confirming vaccination records, and determining whether the dog should be quarantined. Here’s what typically happens next:
- Animal control or the local health department investigates the report
- The dog’s vaccination records are reviewed, especially for rabies
- The dog may be quarantined, usually for 10 days, to monitor for signs of illness
- A formal incident report is created and entered into public health or municipal databases
- You may be contacted for additional information or follow-up statements
- The owner may face fines or compliance requirements, such as leash laws, muzzle mandates, or registration issues
In serious or repeated cases, the dog may be designated as “potentially dangerous” or “vicious” under local ordinances. This can affect the owner’s liability and may support a stronger injury claim if the bite results in a lawsuit.
Bitten by a Dog? Report It. Then Call Us.
Reporting a dog bite is the first step. Getting the legal help you need comes next. At The Clark Law Office, we provide trusted dog bite legal representation to victims throughout Michigan helping them document injuries, deal with local agencies, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain. Call today for a free consultation or fill out our contact form to speak directly with dog bite attorney Matthew R. Clark. There’s no fee unless we win. Learn more about reporting requirements and related public safety issues in our dog bite resources guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting a Dog Bite in Michigan
Is reporting a dog bite required by law in Michigan?
While there’s no statewide mandate, many counties and cities in Michigan require dog bites to be reported to animal control or the local health department — especially if the bite broke the skin.
What happens if I don’t report a dog bite?
Failing to report could delay medical treatment, make it harder to prove a personal injury claim, or allow a dangerous dog to bite again without consequence.
Can I report a dog bite anonymously?
Some agencies accept anonymous tips, but formal reports used in legal claims must include your information.
Do I report the bite to the police or animal control?
Usually, animal control or the health department handles bite reports. Police may step in if the dog is actively aggressive or the situation is dangerous.
Should I still report a bite if I know the dog’s owner?
Yes. Even if the owner is a friend or neighbor, reporting helps document the incident, confirm vaccine records, and protect your legal rights.
Resources and References
The following sources were used to support the information and recommendations on this page: