How To Report a Dog Bite in San Bernardino County | San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney

All dog bites in San Bernardino County must be reported.

LA Century Law has experienced San Bernardino dog bite attorneys. We explain dog bite reporting in California and how to report a dog bite in San Bernardino County.

How To Report a Dog Bite in San Bernardino County

To report a dog bite in San Bernardino County, contact the appropriate animal control agency. The agency you should contact will vary based on where the bite occurred.

• You’ll make the report to the appropriate government animal control agency.
• For most of San Bernardino County, that’s San Bernardino County Animal Control.
• Cities usually have their own animal control services.
• You may make the report by phone to animal control. But some agencies also have online report forms.

After you report the bite, follow animal control instructions, which may include quarantine and a medical exam.

How To Report a Dog Bite to San Bernardino County Animal Control

To report a dog bite to San Bernardino County Animal Control, you may:

1. Call (800) 472-5609 (San Bernardino County Animal Care).
2. Fill out the Bite Report Form and fax it to (909) 501-0684.

Other Animal Control Agencies in San Bernardino County

What Information You’ll Need To File a Dog Bite Report

When reporting a dog bite, you need the following information:

• Date and time of bite
• Bite type (e.g., puncture, scratch, laceration, exposure)
• License (e.g., yes or no, and number)
• Owner name, contact information
• Victim name, contact information
• Victim age
• Victim relation to the dog owner
• Reporting person
• Location of bite on the body, severity of bite
• Circumstances of bite
• Medical care received, treating facility information

Animal control may have follow-up questions.

Providing information to the dog bite victim

In addition to reporting the bite to animal control, the dog owner must provide information to the victim. The dog owner must provide the victim with their name, contact information, the animal’s license number, and vaccination information. If the victim is a minor, the owner must provide the information to the responsible adult.

Failing to comply is an infraction punishable by a fine.

See Cal. Pen. Code § 398.

San Bernardino County Dog Bite Laws: What Every Victim Should Know

If a dog bites you, you may have the right to financial compensation. In California, dog owners are strictly liable for bites. You don’t have to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a previous bite history.

Liability means that the dog owner is responsible for paying monetary compensation. The law allows the victim to claim compensation for damages. Damages are ways in which the dog bite has harmed the victim. Harm can be financial, such as medical bills, or personal, such as pain and suffering.

Defenses like trespassing and provocation apply.

Cal. Civ. Code § 3342.

More From LA Century Law: Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California.

What Happens After You Report a Dog Bite in San Bernardino County?

After you report a dog bite in San Bernardino County, the dog will be placed under quarantine. Quarantine may not be required if the bite didn’t break the skin. Animal Control will determine what quarantine is necessary, but it may take place at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or in the pet owner’s home. Remember that you need guidance and approval from animal control—“self quarantine” is not a substitute for reporting the dog bite and completing an official quarantine period.

When Should You Contact a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney?

When a dog bite occurs, seek medical attention first. Then contact a San Bernardino dog bite attorney. While you shouldn’t wait to report the bite to authorities, you can involve an attorney at any point in your case. An attorney can help you preserve evidence and pursue your claim efficiently.

How Long Do You Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

Generally, you have two years to file a dog bite claim in California. There are some exceptions, so don’t wait to contact a lawyer for individual guidance.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite Injury?

More From LA Century Law: What is the Average Settlement for Dog Bite Cases in California?

Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, we invite you to contact LA Century Law. Talk to an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer. See what your case may be worth and how legal representation can help you. Call or message us now.