Advice from the SPA My dog has bitten someone: how should I react?

If your dog bites you, it's important to follow certain legal measures to ensure everyone's safety. The first step is to ensure the victim receives the necessary care.

If possible, take her to a doctor or the nearest emergency room, or call 15 (or 112). It is also important to exchange contact information with the people involved and any witnesses.

After handling the emergency, it is necessary to report the incident to your insurance company and to your local town hall.

If your dog was under the supervision of another person at the time of the incident, that person must make a declaration to their town hall.

Your dog will need to be presented to a veterinarian within 24 hours, whether vaccinated against rabies or not.

Three health checks will need to be carried out at the vet over a period of 15 days (within 24 hours, 7 days and 15 days after the bite), to ensure that your dog is not carrying the rabies virus and to establish a certificate at each visit for the victim and your insurance.

A behavioral assessment of your dog will also be necessary (and may be required by the mayor), with possible renewal within a specified timeframe.

This examination, also performed by a veterinarian, will assess your pet's level of danger. Depending on the assessment, the city council may recommend that you take a course in dog training and accident prevention.

The list of authorized veterinarians in your department is available on the website of your prefecture or on request from the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for Population Protection).

It is important to understand the origin of this behavior to prevent future incidents and, if necessary, to call on dog trainers and behaviorists.