How to Report a Dog Bite in Michigan

Do I Need to Report a Dog Bite to Police or Animal Control in Michigan?

After suffering a dog bite, many victims wonder whether they’re legally required to report the incident—and whether it’s worth the time and effort to do so. The answer in Michigan depends on several factors, including the severity of the bite, local ordinances, and your specific circumstances. However, even when reporting isn’t legally mandatory, it’s almost always in your best interest.

This comprehensive guide explains Michigan’s dog bite reporting requirements, why reporting matters for your health and legal claim, and exactly how to file reports with the proper authorities.

Michigan’s Dog Bite Reporting Requirements: The Legal Obligations

State-Level Reporting Laws

Michigan does not have a single, statewide mandatory reporting requirement for all dog bites. However, several state laws and regulations create reporting obligations in specific circumstances:

Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.5111)

Healthcare providers must report animal bites that may present a risk of rabies transmission

This creates a medical reporting requirement, not necessarily a victim reporting requirement

 The local health department receives these reports from medical facilities

Michigan Compiled Laws 287.266

Requires animal control officers to investigate reports of animals suspected of having rabies

Creates a framework for quarantine and observation of biting animals

 Mandates cooperation between health departments, law enforcement, and animal control

While Michigan state law doesn’t explicitly require victims to report every dog bite, local ordinances often do— and practical considerations make reporting essential regardless of legal requirements.

Local Ordinances Vary Significantly

Most Michigan municipalities have their own animal control ordinances that may require reporting. Common requirements across Metro Detroit communities include:

Detroit

Dog bites must be reported to Detroit Animal Care and Control

Owners of biting dogs must report the incident within 24 hours

 Failure to report can result in fines

Oakland County Communities

Many Oakland County cities require dog bite reporting to Oakland County Animal Control

Some municipalities require reporting any bite that breaks the skin

 Local ordinances may impose stricter requirements than state law

Macomb County Communities

Various reporting requirements depending on the specific city or township

 Sterling Heights, Warren, and other communities have specific animal control ordinances

Wayne County Communities

Requirements vary by municipality

 Some communities contract with Michigan Humane Society for animal control services

When Reporting Is Definitely Required

Even without knowing your specific local ordinance, reporting is legally required or strongly recommended when:

1. You sought medical treatment – Medical providers typically report to health departments, triggering an investigation
2. The bite broke the skin – Any bite that causes bleeding or puncture wounds should be reported

• The dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown – Public health concern requires reporting
• The attack involved a child – Additional protections for minors make reporting critical
• The dog has bitten before – Dangerous dog designation procedures require documentation

• Serious injury occurred – Hospitalization, emergency room visits, or severe wounds
• The owner violated leash laws or other ordinances – Supporting evidence for your claim

Why Reporting a Dog Bite Matters: Beyond Legal Requirements

Even if reporting isn’t legally mandatory in your situation, filing reports with police and animal control provides crucial benefits for your health, safety, and any potential legal claim.

Protecting Public Health Rabies Prevention

Michigan still has rabies cases in wildlife populations

Unvaccinated dogs pose a serious public health risk

Quarantine and observation procedures can only begin with a report

Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear but preventable with timely post-exposure treatment

Disease Tracking

Health departments monitor dog bite trends to identify problem areas

Data helps allocate animal control resources

 Patterns of attacks may reveal dangerous dogs before they seriously injure someone

Preventing Future Attacks

Your report may be the first documented incident, but it likely won’t be the last if the dog isn’t controlled

Animal control can investigate whether the owner is following local laws

 Documentation builds a case for dangerous dog designation if the animal attacks again

Creating Official Documentation for Your Legal Claim

Establishing a Paper Trail Police and animal control reports create independent, third-party verification that:

The attack actually occurred

You reported it promptly

The date, time, and location of the incident

The identity of the dog and owner

 Your version of events was documented when details were fresh This documentation is invaluable because:

It’s harder for the owner to deny the attack happened or claim you provoked it

Insurance companies take claims more seriously when backed by official reports

Judges and juries view official reports as credible evidence

 Your attorney can reference report numbers and details in demand letters

Countering Defense Tactics

Dog owners and their insurance companies frequently employ these defenses:

“The bite never happened”

“You provoked my dog”

“My dog has never been aggressive before”

 “You were trespassing”

An official report filed immediately after the attack undermines these defenses by:

Creating a contemporaneous account before the owner can construct an alternative narrative

Documenting the circumstances while physical evidence is still present

Recording witness statements before memories fade

 Showing you took the incident seriously (immediate reporting demonstrates genuine injury)

Triggering Animal Control Investigation

When you report a dog bite, animal control officers typically:

Visit the Scene

Inspect the property where the attack occurred

Check for dangerous conditions (broken fences, inadequate confinement)

Photograph the dog and premises

 Document any violations of local ordinances

Interview the Owner

Obtain the dog’s vaccination records

Determine if the dog has a history of aggression

Assess whether the owner is complying with local laws

 Issue citations if violations are found

Quarantine the Dog

Most jurisdictions require a 10-day quarantine period

Ensures the dog doesn’t have rabies

Prevents the dog from attacking others while under observation

 May be home quarantine or at an animal control facility, depending on circumstances

Maintain Records

All reports, investigations, and citations become part of the dog’s permanent record

If the dog bites again, prior reports support dangerous dog proceedings

 Records are available to support your injury claim

Supporting Dangerous Dog Designation

Michigan law allows courts to designate dogs as “dangerous animals” under MCL 287.321 et seq. This designation requires:

Criteria for Dangerous Dog Status

The dog bit or attacked a person or another animal without provocation

The dog has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack without provocation

 The dog’s behavior presents an unjustified risk to public safety

Consequences of Designation

Owner must maintain liability insurance

Secure confinement requirements

Warning signs must be posted

Dog must be muzzled in public

Registration and microchipping requirements

 Potential euthanasia for repeat offenses

Your report is the first step in this process. Even if the dog that bit you isn’t immediately designated dangerous, your report creates the documentation that may protect future victims.

How to Report a Dog Bite in Michigan: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Which Agencies to Contact

Most dog bite victims should report to multiple agencies:

Animal Control – Always report to animal control Police Department – Report for serious injuries or criminal violations Local Health Department – May need to report for rabies risk assessment Homeowner’s Association – If applicable, may have separate reporting requirements

Step 2: Gather Information Before Reporting

Having this information ready makes the reporting process smoother:

About the Incident

Date, time, and exact address where the bite occurred

Detailed description of what happened

Whether you provoked the dog (almost always no)

 What you were doing when attacked

About the Dog

Breed or breed mix

Color and markings

Size (approximate weight)

Whether the dog was leashed or confined

 Dog’s name (if known)

About the Owner

Full name

Address and phone number

Whether the owner was present during the attack

Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information

 Any statements the owner made

About Your Injuries

Description of all bite wounds

Whether you sought medical treatment

Name of hospital or clinic

 Whether the bite broke skin or caused bleeding

Witnesses

Names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack

 Witnesses may be interviewed by investigators

Evidence

Photos of your injuries

Photos of the scene

Photos of the dog (if safely obtainable)

 Torn or bloody clothing

Step 3: Contact Animal Control

Animal control is your primary contact for dog bite reporting in Michigan.

Metro Detroit Area Animal Control Agencies: Detroit

Detroit Animal Care and Control

Phone: (313) 922-3453

Address: 1401 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48211

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM

 Online: detroitmi.gov/government/commissions/detroit-animal-care-and-control

Oakland County

Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center

Phone: (248) 858-1070

Address: 1700 Brown Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 AM – 5 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 4 PM

 Online reporting: Available through county website

Macomb County

Macomb County Animal Control

Phone: (586) 469-5115

Address: 21417 Dunham Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036

 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Wayne County (outside Detroit)

Michigan Humane Society (handles Wayne County animal control)

Phone: (313) 872-3401

Multiple locations across Wayne County

 24/7 emergency line available

How to File an Animal Control Report:

1. Call or visit in person – While some jurisdictions offer online reporting, speaking directly with an officer ensures all details are captured
2. Provide all information – Give the officer everything you gathered in Step 2
3. Ask for a report number – Write down the case/report number for your records
4. Request a copy of the report – Most agencies will provide a copy once the investigation is complete (may take several days to weeks)
5. Follow up – If you don’t hear back within a week, call to check on the investigation status

• Provide additional evidence – If you remember details or obtain photos later, contact the officer handling your case

What to Expect from Animal Control Investigation:

Officer will typically visit the dog owner’s property

They’ll verify vaccination records and licensing

They may quarantine the dog for rabies observation

They’ll document any ordinance violations

They may issue citations to the owner

 You’ll receive information about the investigation’s outcome

Step 4: File a Police Report

Not every dog bite requires a police report, but you should definitely file one if:

Serious injuries – Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery

Unprovoked attack – Especially if the dog charged from a distance

Owner fled the scene – Hit-and-run type situations

Trespassing dog – The dog came onto your property to attack

Violation of leash laws – Dog was loose in violation of ordinances

Owner was negligent – Owner ignored the dog’s aggressive behavior

Criminal activity suspected – Dog fighting, negligent ownership

Attack on a child – Extra protections for minor victims

 Owner refuses to cooperate – Won’t provide information or vaccination records

How to File a Police Report:

1. Call the non-emergency police number for the jurisdiction where the bite occurred  Don’t call 911 unless it’s an immediate emergency

 Look up your local police department’s non-emergency number

• Request an officer respond to the scene if you’re still at the location and it’s safe

• Visit the police station if the incident occurred earlier and isn’t an emergency
• Provide detailed information including:  Your account of what happened

The dog owner’s information

Evidence you’ve collected

 Medical treatment received

• Get the case number and the responding officer’s name and badge number

• Request a copy of the report – May take several days to become available
• Be honest and accurate – Don’t exaggerate, but don’t minimize either

Police Report vs. Animal Control Report:

Police reports document potential criminal violations and create an official record for civil claims

Animal control reports focus on public safety and compliance with animal ordinances

Both are valuable and serve different purposes in your potential legal case

 File both when circumstances warrant

Step 5: Report to Your Local Health Department

Some Michigan health departments require separate reporting of dog bites for public health tracking:

When to Report to Health Department:

Medical provider indicated concern about rabies

Dog’s vaccination status is unknown

Dog appeared sick or was acting strangely

 Wild animal bite (not typically applicable to domestic dogs, but relevant for other animals)

Major Health Departments in Metro Detroit: Detroit Health Department

Phone: (313) 876-4000

 Reports disease concerns and tracks bite incidents

Oakland County Health Division

Phone: (248) 858-1280

 Environmental Health Division handles animal bite reports

Macomb County Health Department

Phone: (586) 469-5235

 Communicable Disease Division

Wayne County Department of Health

Phone: (734) 727-7000

 Covers Wayne County outside Detroit

Note: If you sought medical treatment, your healthcare provider likely already reported to the health department, but you can confirm this or file an additional report.

Step 6: Document Your Reporting

Keep detailed records of all reports filed:

Create a Reporting Log:

Date and time you filed each report

Name of agency contacted

Report or case number assigned

Name of the officer or person you spoke with

Phone number and reference information

Summary of what you reported

 Any follow-up instructions given

Save All Correspondence:

Copies of reports when you receive them

Email confirmations

Follow-up letters or emails from agencies

Investigation updates

 Citations issued to the owner

Take Notes:

Write down conversations with investigators

Document when officers visited the scene

Note any statements the dog owner made to authorities

 Record the outcome of any quarantine or investigation

This documentation proves you took immediate and appropriate action after the bite, which strengthens your legal claim and demonstrates the seriousness of the incident.

Common Reporting Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Scenario 1: The Owner is a Neighbor or Acquaintance

Many dog bite victims hesitate to report when they know the owner personally. This is understandable but potentially dangerous.

Why you should still report:

Your health and safety matter more than awkward social situations

The dog may attack someone else if the behavior isn’t addressed

Insurance companies require official reports to process claims

Your medical bills may be substantial and require compensation

 Failing to report could indicate the bite “wasn’t serious”

How to handle it sensitively:

Be factual and non-confrontational when explaining you’re filing a report

Emphasize that reporting protects everyone, including future potential victims

Note that animal control will determine if any violations occurred

 Understand that maintaining a relationship may not be possible, but your rights matter

Scenario 2: The Owner Claims the Dog is Vaccinated

Even if the owner shows you vaccination paperwork, you should still report:

Reasons to report despite vaccination claims:

Vaccination records need to be officially verified

The official quarantine observation period still applies

Vaccination doesn’t eliminate all infection risks (dog mouths harbor many bacteria)

Reporting creates the legal documentation you need

The dog may have a history unknown to you

 Owners sometimes present false documentation

Animal control will verify vaccination status through veterinary records, which is more reliable than an owner’s word or paperwork shown to you.

Scenario 3: You Don’t Know Who Owns the Dog

“Unknown dog” or “stray dog” bites should absolutely be reported:

Report immediately because:

The dog may be unvaccinated, creating serious rabies risk

You may need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis

Animal control can search for the dog

The dog may attack others

Security cameras or witnesses may help identify the owner

 Even without an identified owner, you’ve created an official record

Provide as much detail as possible:

Exact location where you encountered the dog

Detailed description (breed, size, color, markings, collar)

Direction the dog went after the attack

Whether you’ve seen this dog in the area before

 Any identifying features

Animal control may recognize the description or patrol the area to locate the dog.

Scenario 4: The Bite Seems Minor

Many victims think, “It’s just a small bite, not worth reporting.” This is a mistake.

Report even seemingly minor bites because:

Infections can develop days later, turning a minor bite serious

Puncture wounds may be deeper than they appear

The dog’s behavior (attacking without provocation) is the issue, not just injury severity

You’re protecting the next victim, who may be seriously injured

If complications develop, you’ll need the report for your claim

 Minor-appearing bites can cause nerve damage or require surgery

You can’t predict which bites will develop complications, so err on the side of caution.

Scenario 5: The Attack Happened on the Owner’s Property

Being on someone else’s property doesn’t eliminate your right to report or your legal claim in Michigan.

You’re still protected if you were:

A social guest (invited to visit)

A delivery person or service provider

Reading a meter or performing legal duties

A mail carrier or package delivery person

 Lawfully on the property for any reason

Report even if:

The owner claims you were trespassing (let authorities investigate)

You were playing with the dog before it bit

The owner said “Don’t worry about it”

 The owner offered to pay your medical bills personally

Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law protects lawful visitors, making reporting appropriate and beneficial to your claim.

Scenario 6: The Bite Happened Weeks or Months Ago

Late reporting is still valuable, though prompt reporting is always better.

File a report even if time has passed because:

It’s better than no report at all

The dog may still be a danger to others

You can still pursue a legal claim (Michigan’s statute of limitations is three years)

Medical complications may have developed, making the incident more serious

  The dog may have bitten others in the interim, and your report adds to the pattern

When reporting late:

Explain why you delayed (were in shock, didn’t realize severity, thought it would resolve itself)

Provide any evidence you still have

Obtain medical records showing treatment after the bite

 Be prepared that some evidence may be harder to collect now

What Happens After You File Reports

Understanding the reporting aftermath helps you know what to expect and how to follow up.

Animal Control Investigation Timeline Initial Response (1-3 days):

Officer contacts you for additional information if needed

Officer visits the dog owner’s property

Vaccination records are verified

 Quarantine order may be issued

Quarantine Period (10 days):

Standard observation period for rabies risk assessment

May be home quarantine or at a facility

Owner typically bears the cost of facility quarantine

 Officer checks on the dog during this period

Investigation Completion (1-4 weeks):

Officer determines if ordinance violations occurred

Citations may be issued to the owner

Report is finalized and becomes available

 You’re notified of the investigation outcome

Long-Term Follow-Up:

Your report remains in the dog’s permanent record

If the dog bites again, your report supports dangerous dog proceedings

 Some jurisdictions follow up months later to ensure compliance

Police Investigation (if filed) Immediate Actions:

Officer takes your statement

Officer may visit the scene

Officer may interview the dog owner

 Report is filed in the police database

Potential Outcomes:

Criminal charges if severe negligence occurred

Citations for ordinance violations

Report closes with no charges (most common for civil matters)

 Referral to animal control for follow-up

Health Department Follow-Up Rabies Risk Assessment:

Review of vaccination records

Coordination with animal control on quarantine

Guidance on whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis

Epidemiological Tracking:

Your case becomes part of public health data

Helps identify patterns or problem areas

 May trigger additional animal control resources in high-incident areas

Getting Copies of Reports Timing:

Animal control reports: typically available 1-2 weeks after investigation concludes

Police reports: usually available within 3-7 business days

 Health department records: available upon request, timing varies

How to Obtain:

Request copies from the agency directly

May need to visit in person or submit written request

Some agencies offer online access

Small processing fee may apply (typically $5-20)

 Your attorney can request reports on your behalf

What to Do with Reports:

Provide copies to your attorney

Give to your health insurance company if they request

Keep in your personal injury file

 Do NOT post on social media or share publicly

How Reporting Affects Your Legal Claim

Filing reports with authorities significantly strengthens your potential injury claim.

Benefits for Your Attorney Verified Facts:

Third-party confirmation of the incident

Harder for insurance companies to dispute what happened

 Easier to establish liability under Michigan’s strict liability law

Evidence Collected by Authorities:

Photos taken by officers

Owner statements made to investigators

Witness interviews conducted professionally

 Verification of vaccination status and dog ownership

Professional Investigation:

Trained officers assess the scene

Ordinance violations documented

Owner citations create additional evidence of negligence

 Animal control reports carry weight with insurance companies

Insurance Company Response

Insurance adjusters take claims more seriously when:

Police and animal control reports exist

The reports support your version of events

Citations were issued to the insured

 The investigation was thorough and professional

Claims without official reports are more easily dismissed or undervalued.

Settlement Negotiations

During settlement discussions:

Your attorney can reference report numbers and findings

Official reports counter lowball offers

Insurance companies recognize the claim could go to trial with strong evidence

 Reports demonstrate you acted reasonably and promptly

Trial Evidence

If your case goes to court:

Reports are admissible evidence

Animal control officers may testify

Police reports establish an official record

Jury sees that multiple agencies took your claim seriously

 Defendant has a harder time claiming the bite never happened or you provoked it

Special Considerations for Different Types of Victims

Children

Enhanced Reporting Obligations:

Some jurisdictions require mandatory reporting of bites to children

Child Protective Services may be notified in severe cases

 Schools may need to be informed if the child misses class

Why Reporting Is Critical:

Children are more vulnerable to serious injury

Facial bites are more common in children due to their height

Psychological trauma may not be immediately apparent

 Enhanced damages may be available for child victims

Parental Responsibilities:

Parents or guardians should file reports on behalf of minor children

Document behavioral changes following the attack

Obtain psychological evaluation if trauma is evident

 Keep detailed records for potential future claims

Elderly or Disabled Victims Unique Vulnerabilities:

May be less able to defend themselves

Falls during attacks can cause serious secondary injuries

Healing may take longer due to age or health conditions

 May have difficulty accessing reporting agencies

Additional Reporting Considerations:

Family members or caregivers can file reports on behalf of victims

Elder abuse reporting may be triggered if the attack occurred in a care facility

Enhanced damages may apply due to vulnerability

Delivery and Service Workers Occupational Exposures:

Postal workers, package delivery personnel, meter readers, and other service providers face higher dog bite risk

USPS carriers should report to their supervisor and file incident reports

 Workers’ compensation may apply

Multiple Reporting Paths:

Report to animal control and police as usual

Report to employer immediately

File workers’ compensation claim if applicable

 May have both workers’ comp claim and third-party personal injury claim

What If the Owner Asks You Not to Report?

Dog owners frequently try to convince bite victims not to report the incident. Common tactics include:

“I’ll pay all your medical bills personally”

This is rarely kept once bills arrive

You have no recourse if they stop paying

 Medical complications may develop later, costing far more than anticipated

“Please don’t report it—they’ll take my dog away”

Appeals to emotion to protect themselves

Reporting doesn’t automatically result in euthanasia

 Your health and legal rights matter more than protecting an aggressive dog

“It was an accident; she’s never done this before”

Owners often lie about prior incidents

Even first-time bites must be reported

 Future victims deserve protection

“I’ll lose my homeowner’s insurance”

Not your problem or responsibility

They should have controlled their dog

 Insurance exists precisely for incidents like this

What to Say: Be firm and polite: “I understand you’re concerned, but I need to report this for my own protection and public safety. Animal control will handle the investigation fairly.”

Never Agree:

Don’t sign anything promising not to report

Don’t accept cash settlements before reporting

 Don’t let sympathy for the owner override your rights

The Consequences of Not Reporting

Failing to report a dog bite can have serious negative consequences:

Health Risks

 Unvaccinated dogs may carry rabies

You may not receive necessary medical guidance

 If complications develop, no official record exists

Legal Claim Weaknesses

 Insurance companies question the severity if you didn’t report

Harder to prove the incident occurred

Owner can claim you provoked the dog with no official record to refute it

 Your attorney has less evidence to work with

Public Safety

 The dog may attack someone else

Opportunity for dangerous dog intervention is lost

Pattern of aggression isn’t documented

 Other potential victims aren’t warned

Personal Complications

 If you later need to file a claim, late reporting looks suspicious

Medical expenses may accumulate without reimbursement

 Your version of events is harder to prove after time passes

Reporting Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: “Reporting means the dog will automatically be put down” Reality: Euthanasia is rare and typically

reserved for dogs with multiple serious attacks or rabies. Most biting dogs are quarantined, observed, and returned to their owners with requirements for better control.

Myth: “If I report, I’m required to sue” Reality: Reporting and filing a lawsuit are completely separate actions. You can report for public safety reasons and never pursue compensation, or you can report and later decide whether to make a claim.

Myth: “Animal control won’t do anything unless the bite is serious” Reality: Animal control investigates all reported bites. Even minor bites that break the skin create infection risk and need to be documented.

Myth: “I can’t report if I was petting the dog when it bit me” Reality: Petting a dog with permission is not provocation. You can absolutely report even if you were interacting with the dog.

Myth: “My insurance will handle everything, so I don’t need to report” Reality: Insurance companies often require police or animal control reports to process claims. Reporting creates the documentation insurance companies need.

Myth: “Reporting is complicated and time-consuming” Reality: Most reports take 15-30 minutes to file. The long-term benefits far outweigh the minimal time investment.

Reporting Checklist: Make Sure You’ve Done Everything

Use this checklist to ensure you’ve properly reported your dog bite:

Immediate Actions (within 24 hours):

Sought medical treatment and documented injuries Photographed all injuries from multiple angles Photographed the scene where the attack occurred Collected dog owner’s contact and insurance information Obtained witness names and contact information

Written down a detailed account of what happened

Reporting Actions (within 1-3 days):

Filed report with animal control

Filed police report (if appropriate for your situation) Reported to health department (if required) Received case/report numbers from all agencies Requested copies of all reports filed

Follow-Up Actions (within 1-2 weeks):

Checked status of animal control investigation Obtained copies of completed reports Provided reports to your attorney (if hired)

Documented any communication from authorities

Saved all correspondence in a safe place

Ongoing Actions:

Attended all medical appointments and kept records Maintained a recovery journal

Avoided discussing the case on social media

Kept track of all expenses related to the bite Followed up on any citations issued to the owner

When to Consult an Attorney About Your Dog Bite

While reporting to authorities is something you should do immediately, consulting an attorney is also an important step, especially if:

Your injuries required emergency treatment or hospitalization

You have permanent scarring, especially on visible areas

The dog owner is disputing what happened

Animal control or police found violations by the owner

You’re facing significant medical bills

You’ve missed work due to injuries

The insurance company has denied your claim or offered an inadequate settlement

 You’re experiencing anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs following the attack

An experienced Michigan dog bite attorney can:

Review your case for free (most work on contingency)

Help you understand your rights under Michigan’s strict liability law

Ensure all necessary reports are filed

Gather additional evidence authorities may have missed

Handle all communication with insurance companies

Value your claim accurately (victims typically undervalue their own claims)

Negotiate maximum settlement

 Take your case to trial if necessary

Moving Forward: Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Reporting a dog bite to police and animal control in Michigan is one of the most important steps you can take

after an attack. While not always legally required, reporting:

• Protects your health by ensuring proper rabies risk assessment
• Creates official documentation for your legal claim
• Prevents future attacks by the same dog
• Supports dangerous dog designation if needed
• Strengthens your case against insurance company tactics
• Provides evidence your attorney can use in negotiations or trial

Don’t let sympathy for the owner, fear of confrontation, or uncertainty about requirements stop you from reporting. The process is straightforward, the benefits are substantial, and you’re protecting not only yourself but also future potential victims.

Remember:

Report to animal control first—this is your primary and most important report

Consider filing a police report for serious injuries or criminal violations

Get all case numbers and keep detailed records

Request copies of completed reports

Don’t let the owner talk you out of reporting

 Consult with an experienced Michigan dog bite attorney to protect your legal rights

The few minutes spent reporting today could make the difference between a successfully resolved claim and an uphill battle for compensation you deserve.

Need Help with a Michigan Dog Bite Claim?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Michigan, our experienced dog bite attorneys can guide you through the reporting process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—no fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you navigate both the reporting

requirements and your legal claim. Don’t wait—Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you three years, but prompt action protects your rights and strengthens your case.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about dog bite reporting in Michigan and does not

constitute legal advice. Reporting requirements vary by municipality. For specific guidance about your situation and local requirements, consult with a qualified Michigan dog bite attorney who can evaluate your case and

advise you on the best course of action.