Local Resources

IMPORTANT: Your Happy Dog Coach does not report incidents.
The form in this section is meant to be a tool for collecting pertinent information to report an incident yourself.

It is important for you to take the information you’ve collected here and directly report it to the proper authorities listed below.

Even a minor dog bite can have serious consequences.

Whether it’s a nip or a deep wound, reporting the incident to local authorities and seeking medical attention is crucial. 

Here’s why:
Medical Concerns: Even small bites can lead to infections like tetanus or, in rare cases, rabies. Getting it checked ensures your health and safety.
Prevent Future Incidents: Reporting a bite helps authorities monitor the dog’s behavior. This could prevent future, possibly more serious incidents, especially if the dog shows signs of aggression.
Legal Documentation: Having an official report on file protects both the victim and the dog owner in case further legal or medical actions are needed down the road.
Owner Awareness: It’s important for dog owners to be aware if their pet poses a risk. Reporting a bite can lead to better training, vet checks, or safety measures.

Whether it’s a family pet or a stray, never ignore a dog bite!!

By reporting it, you’re protecting yourself, the community, and even the dog.

How can it protect the dog?

Reporting a dog bite can actually protect the dog in several ways:
 Prevents Escalation: When a bite is reported, it can trigger interventions that may stop future, more severe incidents. This could include behavior training or medical evaluations that help address underlying issues. Without intervention, the dog might become more aggressive, increasing the risk of being classified as “dangerous” or, in extreme cases, being euthanized.
 Ensures Proper Evaluation: Sometimes, dogs bite because they are in pain or unwell. Reporting the bite can lead to the dog being checked by a vet to rule out medical conditions, like infections or injuries, that could be causing discomfort or aggression.
 Helps Owners with Responsibility: Reporting gives owners the chance to take corrective action, like better training or adjusting the environment, to prevent further incidents. This helps protect the dog from being labeled a continuous threat, which could put its future at risk.
 Legal Protections: Having a formal record of the bite creates transparency and can ensure the dog is not unfairly blamed if it was provoked or reacting out of fear. This documentation helps balance fairness for both the dog and the bite victim.

By reporting, you’re allowing for potential solutions that keep both people and the dog safer in the long run. 

Click the button below to find a form designed to help you gather all information needed to report an incident: