If your dog bites someone: what to do and what your responsibility is

At the time

• Get your dog under control and move it away.
• Look after the person and, if the wound is serious, call 112.
• Exchange details: name, phone number and, if there are any, those of witnesses.
• Have the dog's papers to hand: microchip, vaccinations and insurance.

Your responsibility

Whoever has the animal is liable for the damage it causes, even if it gets away from them (Código Civil, the Civil Code, art. 1905). If you have third-party liability insurance, tell your insurer straight away. If the dog is a potentially dangerous one, insurance is compulsory.

Veterinary observation

After a bite, many autonomous communities require a vet to observe the dog for a period, usually about 14 days, to rule out rabies. The health centre, the police or your council will tell you. Complying is compulsory.

Afterwards

If it has bitten once, it can happen again. Talk to your vet and a behaviour specialist to understand why and work on it. A dog that has attacked can be declared potentially dangerous by the authorities (Real Decreto 287/2002, the Royal Decree on potentially dangerous dogs, art. 2.2).