What to Do After a Dog Bite in Rhode Island

Step 1: Get Away from the Dog and Move to Safety

Your first priority is to put distance between yourself and the animal. Even after an initial attack, an agitated dog may bite again. If the owner is present, ask them to secure the dog. If no owner is present, move to a safe location before doing anything else.

Step 2: Control the Bleeding and Assess the Wound

Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection because of the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth. Even wounds that appear minor should be evaluated by a medical professional. Puncture wounds are particularly dangerous because they seal quickly on the surface while bacteria remain trapped underneath.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Go to an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible. Tell the treating physician that you were bitten by a dog. Medical documentation of your injuries, created on the day of or day after the attack, is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any dog bite claim.

The doctor will assess whether you need:

• Wound cleaning and closure (sutures or staples)
• Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
• A tetanus booster if you are not current
• Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown

Step 4: Identify the Dog and Owner

If you have not already done so, get the dog owner’s full name, address, and phone number. Ask whether the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. This information is required for the mandatory bite report and is critical for your insurance claim. If you do not have the owner’s information, note any identifying details about the dog and the location of the attack.

Step 5: Report the Bite to Local Animal Control and Health Authorities

Rhode Island law requires animal bites to be reported to the local health department within 24 hours. In most Rhode Island cities and towns, you can report to the local animal control officer or health department. This report triggers an official investigation into the dog’s vaccination status and bite history.

Reporting also creates an official record of the attack, which supports your legal claim. Do not skip this step even if the owner is a neighbor or acquaintance. A bite report does not necessarily lead to the dog being euthanized; it triggers a quarantine and review process.

Step 6: Photograph Everything

Take photographs of your wounds before and after they are cleaned and treated. Photograph the attack location, any torn clothing, and the dog if it is still present. Take photos again in the days that follow, as bruising and swelling often worsen before improving and some wounds look more serious on days two or three than they did immediately after the attack.

Step 7: Gather Witness Information

If anyone saw the attack, get their name and phone number immediately. Eyewitness accounts are extremely valuable in dog bite cases, particularly if the owner later disputes what happened or argues provocation.

Step 8: Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Owner’s Insurer

The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company will likely reach out to you shortly after the attack. Do not give a recorded statement and do not accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Early offers are almost always far below the true value of the claim, particularly if you do not yet know the full extent of your injuries or whether scarring or surgery will be required.

Step 9: Contact a Dog Bite Attorney

Rhode Island’s strict liability dog bite statute means the owner is responsible for your damages regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. An attorney ensures that all deadlines are met, all evidence is preserved, and the full value of your claim, including future medical costs, scarring, and psychological trauma, is documented and pursued.