Animal Care Services

Animal Bite Safety & Dog Bite Prevention Resources

Understanding how to safely interact with animals helps protect both people and pets. Dog bites and other animal-related injuries can often be prevented through education, supervision, and responsible pet ownership. The resources below provide helpful information about bite prevention, safe behavior around animals, and steps to take if a bite occurs.

Dog Bite Prevention Quick Tips

Dog bites can often be avoided when people understand how dogs communicate and behave. Learning simple safety habits can reduce the risk of injury for both adults and children.

Some important reminders include:

• Always ask the owner before petting a dog you don’t know.

• Avoid bothering dogs when they are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.

• Stay calm and avoid running or screaming if a strange dog approaches.

• Allow a dog to sniff you before touching it.

• Teach children to treat animals gently and respectfully.

• Never tease, hit, or pull on a dog’s ears or tail.

For a short list of safety reminders and prevention tips, view the Dog Bite Prevention Quick Tips Guide.

Preventing Dog Bites

Understanding dog body language and respecting an animal’s boundaries are important parts of preventing injuries. Both adults and children should know how to behave around dogs they know and dogs they do not know.

Safe behavior around dogs includes:

• Approach dogs slowly and calmly.

• Avoid direct eye contact with unfamiliar dogs.

• Allow dogs space if they appear nervous or uncomfortable.

• Supervise young children when they are interacting with pets.

• Avoid rough play that may encourage aggressive behavior.

View the full Preventing Dog Bites Guide - English Version.

You can also view the Preventing Dog Bites Guide - Spanish Version.

Why Dog Bite Prevention Is Important

Dog bites affect thousands of people each year, and many incidents involve dogs that are familiar to the victim. Children are especially vulnerable because they may not recognize warning signs that a dog feels threatened or scared.

Responsible pet ownership and proper supervision are key to reducing these risks. Education about animal behavior can help families create safer environments for both people and pets.

Learn more about prevention:
Most Dog Bites Preventable Guide.

Understanding Animal Bites

Bites and scratches from animals should always be taken seriously. Even minor injuries can lead to infection or expose someone to diseases such as rabies. Knowing what to do after an incident helps protect both the person who was bitten and the community.

Recommended actions after an animal bite include:

• Wash the wound right away with soap and water.

• Seek medical care so a healthcare professional can evaluate the injury.

• Report the bite to local animal control or public health authorities.

• Provide information about the animal if possible, including the owner or location where the incident occurred.

Reporting animal bites helps protect the community and ensures proper follow-up if needed.

View the full Guide to Animal Bites - English Guide.