Do You Need To Report A Dog Bite To Animal Control?

Each year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs, and Illinois consistently ranks near the top of the list for dog bite-related injuries and insurance claims. Despite how common these incidents are, many victims do not realize the importance of reporting a dog bite to local authorities. In Illinois, notifying animal control or the local health department is not just recommended—it is often required by law. Reporting a dog bite can protect your health, your legal rights, and your community.

In this blog, we explain why filing an official report is essential, what happens after you report, and how reporting the attack can impact your personal injury claim. We also examine Illinois-specific statistics and legal responsibilities so that victims can understand their rights and responsibilities.

Dog Bite Statistics: A Serious Problem in Illinois

Dog bites are far more common than many people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and nearly 885,000 of those require medical attention. Of those, over 300,000 seek care in emergency rooms. In fact, dog bites account for roughly 1% of all emergency room visits in the U.S.

Illinois has consistently ranked among the top states for dog bite incidents. According to State Farm, Illinois ranked second in the nation for dog bite insurance claims in 2022, with 334 claims totaling more than $16 million in payouts. In cities like Chicago, animal control receives over 1,000 dog bite reports per year. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also tracks bite incidents and imposes strict rules for quarantine and reporting to prevent the spread of rabies.

In Naperville, dog bites increased from 12 incidents in 2021 to over 30 in 2023. These statistics reveal a clear truth: dog bites are not rare, and reporting them plays a vital role in protecting the public.

Illinois Law Requires Reporting of Dog Bites

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5), dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, provided the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. Importantly, Illinois law also requires that all dog bites be reported to local animal control authorities. This requirement applies not only to victims but also to any medical professionals who treat bite wounds.

According to Section 18 of the Animal Control Act, “Any physician or other medical personnel who provides treatment for a dog bite shall report the incident to the administrator of the local animal control program within 24 hours.” (510 ILCS 5/18). Failure to report can result in public health risks, as unreported dog bites may involve unvaccinated or aggressive animals.

The law exists to protect not just the individual who was bitten, but the wider community. Reporting ensures that dogs who bite are quarantined, evaluated for rabies, and monitored for further aggressive behavior.

Medical Reasons to Report the Bite

Reporting a dog bite isn’t just about paperwork—it’s also a vital part of receiving proper medical care. Dog bites can introduce bacteria deep into tissues, and up to 20% of bite wounds become infected, according to the CDC. Infections such as cellulitis, tetanus, and even rabies can result if not treated appropriately.

When a bite is reported to animal control, the dog is placed under a 10-day rabies observation period, typically confined at the owner’s home or at a licensed veterinary facility. If the dog shows no signs of rabies during that time, the victim can avoid costly and painful rabies post-exposure shots.

Without reporting, public health officials cannot ensure that the dog is observed or determine whether the animal was properly vaccinated. This can lead to unnecessary treatments or, worse, missed diagnoses.

Reporting Strengthens Your Legal Case

In addition to protecting your health, filing an official report strengthens any potential legal claim. In Illinois, dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs. However, to pursue a dog bite claim, you need solid evidence.

A report to animal control serves as an objective, third-party record of the incident. It provides documentation of the bite, details about the dog, and contact information for the owner. This evidence can help your attorney build a stronger case and demonstrate the credibility of your claim to insurance companies and courts.

Failing to report the incident may allow the dog owner to deny the bite occurred or claim you were trespassing or provoking the animal. Prompt reporting helps avoid disputes over what happened and when.

Prevention of Future Attacks

Reporting a dog bite also plays a critical role in protecting others. When local authorities are notified, they can investigate whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. If the same dog has bitten others before, animal control may declare it dangerous or vicious under the law. In such cases, the owner may be required to comply with stricter regulations—such as muzzling the dog, installing secure fencing, or even surrendering the animal.

In communities with high dog bite rates, tracking incidents allows for better public safety planning. Reporting helps cities enforce leash laws, monitor high-risk areas, and educate the public on responsible pet ownership. Increased reporting and local action are critical to reducing these numbers and preventing repeat attacks.

What Happens After You File a Report?

After a dog bite is reported, animal control will typically initiate an investigation. The process usually involves:

1. Confirming the identity of the dog and its owner.
2. Verifying the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
3. Initiating a 10-day rabies observation period.
4. Determining whether the dog has bitten anyone else.
5. Evaluating whether the dog poses a risk to public safety.

In some counties, animal control may also issue fines or citations to the dog owner if they violated leash laws or failed to vaccinate the dog. If the dog is declared dangerous or vicious, the owner may be required to register the dog and follow specific containment rules.

The dog bite report may also be used by law enforcement or your Illinois dog attack attorney to file a civil claim for damages. The information collected during the investigation is often crucial for proving liability.

Consequences of Not Reporting a Dog Attack

Choosing not to report a dog bite can have serious consequences. First and foremost, it puts your health at risk. Without rabies monitoring or proper treatment, you could suffer preventable infections or long-term injuries.

Second, it can weaken any personal injury claim you might later bring. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often argue that a delay in reporting means the injury was not serious or never occurred. Without documentation, your credibility may be questioned, and you may lose your right to compensation.

Third, it endangers others. If an aggressive dog is not reported and continues to bite others, the consequences can be severe—particularly for children and elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to serious injuries.

Finally, not reporting may allow the dog owner to avoid accountability and continue violating animal control laws.

What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Illinois, here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even small bites can become infected.
2. Report the incident to local animal control or the public health department. This is often required by law and helps initiate the rabies observation process.
3. Document your injuries. Take photos of the wounds and save all medical records.
4. Obtain contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
5. Contact an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney. A lawyer can help you file a claim and protect your rights.

“Reporting a dog bite right away not only helps your case—it may prevent someone else from getting seriously hurt,” says attorney John J. Malm, Naperville dog bite attorney. “At John J. Malm & Associates, our job is to hold negligent dog owners accountable and protect the rights of victims across Illinois.”

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Reporting a dog bite is not just a bureaucratic step—it’s an essential action that protects your health, strengthens your legal position, and contributes to public safety. Illinois law supports victims by imposing strict liability on dog owners, but only if the incident is properly documented.

With dog bite injuries on the rise and serious consequences for victims, filing a timely report with animal control is one of the most important steps you can take. Don’t leave your health, safety, or legal rights to chance. Whether the bite seems minor or severe, reporting it helps ensure the dog is properly evaluated, your injuries are treated, and your community remains safer.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Illinois, don’t wait to take action. Reporting the incident to animal control protects your health, creates vital documentation for your legal claim, and helps prevent future attacks in your community. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the trauma and stress that can follow a dog bite, and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated Illinois dog attack attorneys have successfully handled dog bite cases throughout the state, and we’re ready to advocate for you. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Let us help you get the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward.