How to File a Dog Bite Report in Dallas, TX (Step-by-Step)

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Not all dog bites are “accidents.” Some dogs have a history of aggression, and some bites happen under preventable circumstances. However, the circumstances and the aftermath can leave you with injuries, medical bills, and questions about what to do next.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Dallas, taking action quickly is critical. Filing a report not only protects your health but also creates an official record of the incident, essential if you decide to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

For guidance on the process and your legal options, speaking with a Dallas dog bite lawyer can make all the difference. At Zinda Law Group, we provide free consultations to help you understand your rights, file accurate reports, and plan your next steps.

How to Report a Dog Bite in Dallas

The first step after a dog bite is to seek prompt medical attention. Even minor bites can lead to infections or other complications, and medical documentation is essential if you pursue legal action later.

Once your health is secure, you should report the bite to Dallas Animal Services. Reporting promptly helps preserve accurate details of the incident and allows authorities to take appropriate action. You can file a report in the following ways:

By phone: Call 3-1-1 and provide details about the location, time, and nature of the bite. An Animal Services officer will typically investigate within 72 hours.
Police report: Contact the Dallas Police Department to report the bite, especially if you believe rabies exposure is possible. For rabies-related concerns, call (214) 819-2004.

Filing a report ensures the dog’s owner is on notice and protects others from potential attacks. It also establishes an official record that can support future insurance claims or lawsuits.

Aggressive vs. Dangerous Dogs in Dallas

Dallas law classifies certain dogs based on their behavior after an attack. Understanding these definitions is key if you or a loved one has been bitten.

Aggressive Dogs

An aggressive dog has caused injury to a person or domestic animal when unrestrained. Investigations involve witness statements and observations. Owners must comply with rules to reclaim their dog, such as registering the dog, keeping it restrained, and providing liability insurance.

Aggressive dog determination

The Texas Health and Safety Code provides that the determination for a dog to be classified as aggressive must come from an investigation that includes observation and testimony about the dog’s actions. The dog must be personally observed and witnesses must sign an affidavit attesting to the observed actions on the date of the incident of a dog attack.

The dog may be seized and impounded at the owner’s expense pending the investigation and determination on whether the dog is aggressive. If it is determined that the dog is not aggressive, the impound fees may be waived and the dog can be released to the owner.

If the dog is determined to be aggressive, the owner will be notified. The owner must comply with the requirements necessary to reclaim the dog. The owner will have a right to appeal the determination of aggressiveness.

Requirements for owning an aggressive dog

Upon the determination that the owner is in possession of a dangerous dog, the owner must have the dangerous dog spayed or neutered.

The owner must register the dangerous dog with the director and pay a dangerous dog registration fee of $250.
The dog must be restrained at all times on a leash and must be in the immediate control of the owner.
When taken outside, the dangerous dog must be muzzled so as to prevent any further biting injuries.
The owner must obtain liability insurance coverage in the amount of at least $100,000.
The dangerous dog must have a collar or harness on it with a current dangerous dog registration tag securely attached to it.
A microchip implant is required.
The owner must post a conspicuous sign stating, “BEWARE DANGEROUS DOG” and must be purchased from Dallas Animal Services
The owner shall renew the dangerous dog fee annually for $50.

Dangerous Dogs

A dangerous dog is one that makes an unprovoked attack on a human or shows behavior likely to cause serious injury. Dangerous dogs must follow similar regulations as aggressive dogs, including muzzling when outside, registration, and proper containment.

Dangerous dog determination

The Texas Health and Safety Code provides that the director will determine if the dog is dangerous. If the dog is impounded, the fees may be waived and the dog released to its owner if the dog is determined not to be a dangerous dog.

If the dog is determined to be dangerous, the owner must comply with the requirements necessary to reclaim the dog and must pay all fees for impounding the dog. The owner has the right to appeal this decision.

Requirements for Owning a Dangerous Dog

The same requirements above for owning an aggressive dog apply here.

Dallas maintains a public database of aggressive and dangerous dogs, including descriptions, photos, and owner contact information.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Why Quick Medical Care Matters

Even bites that seem minor can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Seeing a medical professional promptly ensures your wounds are cared for, reduces infection risk, and documents your injuries for any potential claims.

Injuries from dog bites often include:

Punctures and cuts: Superficial wounds may look small but can trap bacteria deep under the skin.
Infections: Rabies, tetanus, and bacterial infections can develop without proper treatment.
Tissue or nerve damage: More severe bites can cause numbness, tingling, or lasting loss of function.
Scarring or disfigurement: Especially concerning bites in visible areas like the face or hands.
Emotional effects: Victims may experience anxiety, nightmares, fear of animals, or post-traumatic stress, particularly children.

Getting treated quickly protects your health and strengthens any future legal claims.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?

In Texas, dog owners can often be held liable when their pet causes harm. Knowing the different types of liability helps you understand your legal options.

Strict Liability

Dog owners can be strictly liable if their dog injures someone on public or private property lawfully. This means:

The owner doesn’t need to know the dog had bitten anyone before.
Victims may recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Negligence

Even if the bite is less severe, an owner could be liable if they failed to properly control their dog, directly leading to your injury.

Cases Where Liability May Be Limited

Dog owners may not be responsible if:

You trespassed or entered private property without permission
You ignored “Beware of Dog” or “No Trespassing” signs
You provoked the dog
The dog was performing an official duty (law enforcement, hunting, farm work, etc.)

Because each situation is unique, consulting a Dallas dog bite attorney is the best way to understand your rights.

Pet Laws in Dallas

Texas law requires that dog owners use reasonable care when handling their dogs to prevent the dog from causing injuries. If the owner is negligent and this leads to a dog attack, the owner could be sued and possibly sent to jail. If the owner is in possession of an “aggressive” or “dangerous” dog, the penalties could be more severe.

Texas is one of 16 states in the country that follows what is known as the “one bite” rule. Under this rule, if the owner knows the dog has bitten someone before, the owner is liable for subsequent bites. Alternatively, if the dog has never bitten someone before and the owner has no reason to believe the dog would bite someone, the owner is less likely to be held liable for the dog bite.

Dogs Must be Registered

All dogs over four months old must be registered on an annual basis. Registering dogs ensures that pets are vaccinated, healthy, and accounted for. To register your dog, you must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. You may register your dog on the Dallas Animal Services website.

Dogs Must be Confined

All dogs must be confined at all times. This includes being in a fenced yard, an enclosed structure, or by a hand-held leash when the dog is with the owner. Dogs may only be tethered for up to three hours in a 24-hour period. The dog must not be tethered longer than necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task if it requires the dog to be restrained.

Dogs Kept Outside

A dog may be kept outside, but you must have an area that is at least 150 square feet for each dog you have that is six months or older. Any structures enclosing a dog must be sturdy enough to prevent the dog from escaping. A doghouse or similar structure is recommended to protect the dog from the elements.

Why Filing a Dog Bite Report Matters

A dog bite report can be a crucial tool for victims. It can:

Document owner and witness statements: These accounts can clarify how the attack happened and who may be liable.
Reveal prior incidents: If the dog has a history of aggression, this can affect legal action and community safety.
Protect the community: Reporting dangerous dogs warns others and helps prevent future attacks.

Get Help from Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers

At Zinda Law Group, our experienced dog bite lawyers have handled many cases involving victims of dog attacks. After you’ve filed your Dallas dog bite report, we may be able to help you determine what to do next and help you seek the best possible outcome for your case.

Call us today at (866) 320-9701 for a free and confidential consultation with one of our Dallas dog bite lawyers. You will pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our No Fee Guarantee.

Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.