Dog Bites - NYC Health

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Dog Bites

Dogs may become dangerous if they feel threatened or afraid. You should know how to safely approach a dog and how to respond to a dog bite.

Children are most at risk. Most bite injuries are from an owned pet, and young children are usually bitten by a dog that is familiar to them. Parents and caretakers should teach children how and when to play with dogs and when to leave them alone.

Preventing Dog Bites

Do:

Ask the owner for permission before petting a dog.

Gently raise your hand to let the dog smell it.

Move slowly and let the dog come to you.

Do not:

Approach an unknown dog or a dog that is without an owner.

Play with a dog if it is eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies. Dogs naturally guard their puppies, toys and food.

Reach over or through a fence to pet a dog.

Poke, hit, pull, pinch or tease a dog. The dog may not realize you are trying to play.

Chase a dog or run and scream from a dog.

Leave a baby or child alone with any dog.

Responding to Dog Bites

If you have been bitten by a dog:

Get the dog owner's name, address and phone number.

If the dog is unknown, get information for any person that may be able to identify the dog.

Wash the bite wound with soap and water.

Contact your doctor for specific care instructions.

Report the bite or call 311. Information reported helps the Health Department determine if you might need a rabies shot.

If a dog poses an immediate danger to you or others, call 911.

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Laws and Tips for Pet Owners

Responsible Dog Ownership

When choosing a dog, make sure its personality and physical demands fit your lifestyle. If you already have a dog, keep your dog healthy and well-behaved. Responsible dog owners can prevent dog bites and keep their dogs and others safe.

If you have a dog:

Train your dog to learn basic commands and how to be well-behaved around other animals and people. Get professional help if your dog behaves aggressively.

Socialize your dog with other people and pets and new places.

Supervise children when they are around your dog.

Monitor your dog. If your dog becomes nervous or fearful, remove your dog from the situation. Prevent any situation where your dog may be teased or threatened.

Do not engage in games with your dog, such as tug of war, if your dog becomes aggressive.

Do not allow your dog to behave aggressively behind a fence when people walk by.

Spay or neuter your dog to reduce aggression. Studies show neutered animals are less likely to bite.

Provide your dog with exercise, wholesome food and lots of attention.

Laws for Pet Owners

Get a dog license. The City Health Code requires that dogs have a license tag attached to the collar when out in public. A license can help reunite you with your dog if it gets lost.

Follow the Leash Law (PDF). Dogs in public must be on a leash no more than six feet long.

All dogs and cats four months of age and older must receive a first rabies vaccination and thereafter additional rabies booster vacinations. Check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is up to date with its vaccines.

Do not tether your dog. Tying or chaining a dog for longer than three hours is illegal.

Owners must clean up after their dogs in public areas.

Additional Resources

Be a Responsible Dog Owner: Protect Your Pet, Yourself and Others (PDF)
Other Languages: En Español | 中文 | 简体中文 | Русский

Be Safe Around Dogs: An Activity Book for Children (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 | 简体中文 | Русский

Rabies: Protecting Your Pet (PDF)

Preventing Dog Bite-Related Injuries Among NYC Residents(PDF)

Local Parks and Dog Runs

More Information

Rabies

Free or Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Resources

Pet Adoption

Free or Low Cost Rabies Clinics