Paul Catania | October 20, 2025 | Dog Bite
A dog attack can leave you unsettled and unsure of what to do first. In those first few moments, many people immediately wonder what happens when you report a dog bite to animal control in Tampa, FL. Taking that step is not only about looking after yourself; it also helps safeguard neighbors and families in your community.
At Catania and Catania, we understand the stress these situations bring, and we are here to guide you through what to expect, the laws that apply, and the choices available to you.
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call us (813) 547-6434Overview of Dog Bite Laws in Florida
Florida takes dog bites seriously, with laws designed to balance public safety and the rights of dog owners. State law makes it clear that owners can be held responsible when their dog causes harm, even if the animal has never acted aggressively before.
Dog bite injuries are a significant concern in our state. According to the Florida Department of Health, children between 1 and 9 years of age face the highest risk of dog bites, with boys bitten more often than girls. Children under 10 are more likely than others to be bitten on the head or neck. Each year, about 2 Floridians die from dog bite injuries, and more than 600 require hospitalization due to the severity of their wounds.
These statistics highlight why reporting dog bites to animal control is so important. It ensures health officials can monitor dangerous situations, and it helps prevent additional injuries.
What Happens After Reporting a Dog Bite to Animal Control?
When you report a dog bite, animal control investigates to protect both the victim and the community. Local authorities generally follow several steps once a report is filed:
- Gathering information: Officers will collect details about the dog, the owner, and the circumstances of the bite. They may ask for medical documentation of the injury, request witness statements, and check vaccination records when available.
- Quarantine and observation: If the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown, the animal may be quarantined, often at the owner’s home or a county facility, for a 10-day observation period to confirm it is not carrying rabies or other illnesses.
- Public safety evaluation: Officers evaluate whether the dog poses a danger to others. In serious cases, they may classify the animal as dangerous, which carries specific restrictions for the owner and may include requirements like secure enclosures or muzzling.
- Follow-up: Victims and owners may both receive follow-up communication about the outcome of the investigation, vaccination updates, and whether further action is needed.
Reporting does not automatically mean the dog will be taken away or euthanized. Instead, animal control focuses on ensuring vaccinations are up to date, the victim receives proper medical care, and the risk of future attacks is reduced. Understanding what happens when you report a dog bite to animal control can give victims peace of mind during an otherwise stressful process.
How to File a Dog Bite Report?
You can report a dog bite in Tampa by contacting local animal control or law enforcement. Reports can usually be filed by phone, through an online form on the county’s official website, or in person at the local animal services office, and staff will guide you through the process step by step.
When filing, provide as much information as possible: the dog’s description, the owner’s contact information if known, the location of the incident, and whether medical treatment was required. Sharing the time of day and whether there were witnesses can also be helpful. Medical professionals are also required to report dog bites, so if you receive care at a hospital or urgent care center, they may initiate the report on your behalf.
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What to Do After a Dog Bite in Florida?
Your safety and health are the top priorities after a dog bite. Take immediate steps to care for the injury and protect your rights:
- Seek medical treatment right away, even for seemingly minor bites. Infections can develop quickly, and medical staff can clean wounds, prescribe antibiotics, and give rabies shots if needed.
- Report the bite to animal control or local authorities so there is an official record of the incident, and details can be preserved for later.
- Document your injuries with photos, medical records, and notes about your recovery.
- Identify the dog and owner if possible, including vaccination history, breed, and whether there were witnesses to the attack.
- Consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and potential claims, and to receive guidance on what evidence may help your case.
Each of these steps strengthens both your medical care and any future legal case you may pursue.
Who Can Be Liable for a Dog Bite?
In Florida, dog owners are generally responsible when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. This is known as strict liability.
According to Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are liable for damages when their dog bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property. This means that even if the owner had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous, they may still be held accountable for injuries.
There are limited exceptions, such as when the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property. However, the law is designed to protect bite victims and ensure accountability.
Knowing what happens when you report a dog bite to animal control can also prove liability, since official reports help establish evidence and timelines in personal injury claims.
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Dog bite cases can be complicated, especially when injuries require medical treatment and ongoing care. At Catania and Catania, we guide Tampa residents through the reporting process and help protect their rights.
Being bitten by a dog is a serious matter, and understanding what happens when you report a dog bite to animal control can make a huge difference in how the aftermath is handled. Contact our team today at (813) 222-8656 for a free case review and learn more about how we can support you every step of the way.
Paul B. Catania
With more than 30 years of experience, Paul specializes in personal injury cases, auto accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. As a co-founder of Catania & Catania, alongside his brother, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University.
Licensed to practice in all Florida courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and federal courts, this Tampa attorney is committed to advocating for justice in the community. As seen in the AV Preeminent award.
