Get appropriate care
Dog bites can require prompt cleaning, medical assessment, and vaccination information. Follow clinical and local public-health guidance.
Identify the animal and keeper
Record the owner or keeper, location, description, witnesses, and any animal-control report. Do not put yourself at further risk.
Document injuries and clothing
Preserve dated photographs, medical records, damaged items, and the progression of visible injuries.
Ask about local rules
Owner responsibility, prior-incident relevance, landlord issues, and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and facts.
Questions about this step
Is this guide legal advice?
No. It is a research and organization tool. A qualified lawyer must apply local law to the specific facts.
Should I wait until every record is available?
No if timing may matter. Preserve what you have and ask what else is needed.