How To Report A Dog Bite To Animal Control In San Diego County

If you have suffered a dog bite in San Diego County, it is critical you know you are required to report the incident to San Diego County animal control services. The county provides a general emergency number, which is 619-236-2341. It is also vital for victims or their loved ones to understand that multiple offices handle San Diego County dog bites within a specified group of cities. These locations are:

• Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter can be reached at (760) 725-8120 and covers incidents on Camp Pendleton
• San Diego Humane Society Oceanside Location can be contacted at (619) 299-7012 (Ext. 2854) and serves Cardiff, Carlsbad, Del Mar, South Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Vista
• The County of San Diego Department Of Animal Services Carlsbad location can be reached at (619) 767-2675 for dog bites in Aguanga, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Pala, Palomar Mountain, and Pauma Valley. Ramona, Ranchita, Rancho Santa Fe, San Onofre, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, Warner Springs
• San Diego Humane Society Escondido Location can be contacted at (619) 299-7012 to report a dog bite in Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Vista, Rancho Bernardo, and Rancho Penasquitos
• The San Diego Humane Society San Diego office can be contacted at (619) 299-7012 and serves the 32nd St. Naval Station, Balboa Naval Hospital, Clairemont, College, Del Cerro, Downtown San Diego, East San Diego, Encanto, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Imperial Beach, La Jolla, Linda Vista, Logan Heights, Mira Mesa, Miramar Air Station, Mission Valley, Nestor, Normal Heights, North Park, Ocean Beach, Old Town, Pacific Beach, Paradise Hills, Point Loma, San Carlos, San Ysidro, Santee, Scripps Ranch. Serra Mesa, Sorrento Valley, Tierrasanta, and University City
• La Mesa Animal Control can be contacted at (619) 667-7536 to take a report for a dog bite in La Mesa
• El Cajon Animal Control can be reached by calling (619) 441-1580 to report a dog bite incident in El Cajon
• Coronado Animal Services can be contacted at (619) 522-7350 to report a dog bite in Coronado and North Island
• County of San Diego Department Of Animal Control Services Bonita Location can be reached at (619) 767-2675 and serves the communities of Alpine, Bonita, Boulevard, Campo, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Portero, Spring Valley, and Tecate
• Chula Vista Animal Care Facility is reachable at (619) 691-5123 and provides service for dog bite victims reporting an incident in Chula Vista and Lemon Grove
• National City Animal Control can be contacted at (619) 336-4478 to report a dog bite that occurred in National City

If you are unsure which location to contact to report a dog bite in San Diego County, the team at Kenmore Law Group can be reached 24/7 to assist you. After seeking any necessary emergency medical care for the harm you suffered, our staff is happy to help you understand your obligation to report the dog bite, the information the county will gather about the incident and why they must be contacted, and your rights as a victim of a dog bite. In addition, we are eager to offer all San Diego County dog bite victims a free consultation to discuss the facts of the incident with an expert dog bite lawyer to understand your rights and ability to file a dog bite lawsuit to secure the compensation you are owed.

What Everyone Should Know About Dog Bite Wounds
When asked to imagine a dog bite, most people envision a severe wound that could cause catastrophic damage. However, it is essential to know that many dog bites are far less destructive and might not appear significant. Victims and their loved ones need to understand that any time a dog’s mouth or teeth break the outer layer of human skin, there is a high probability of infection.

Even healthy dogs carry many bacteria in their saliva that can cause a severe infection in humans without posing any health risk to the dog. A microscopic amount of dog saliva in an open wound of any kind can result in the victim suffering infections that can include rabies, strep, staph, or cellulitis. So, any dog bite wound must be properly cleaned and evaluated by a medical professional.

Dog Bite First Aid
If a dog bite results in a deep or profusely bleeding wound, call 911 for immediate emergency medical care. If the wound is not deep and bleeding significantly, you can clean the area and then seek medical care. To reduce the potential of an infection, you should:

• Flush the wound area with warm water for five to ten minutes
• Wash the wound gently with warm water and mild soap
• Use mild pressure and a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding
• Coat the wound in antibiotic cream and cover with a clean bandage
• Monitor the would site for any increased swelling or redness, increased pain, or a fever, as these are indications of a fever and likely a severe infection that will require immediate medical care

Gathering Vital Information After Suffering A San Diego Dog Bite
Even if you know the owner of the dog that bit you, it is wise to gather general information that could be very beneficial if you need to seek legal action to get the compensation that is owed to you for the injuries you suffered. It is not uncommon for a dog owner to tell you they will cover all your expenses at the time of the incident and then fail to follow through on that claim. Having the following documentation in hand if this occurs can make pursuing a dog bite lawsuit much less stressful and time-consuming:

• Pictures of the wound as soon as possible after the bite and other images as the appearance and condition of the wound changes
• Photos of any other injuries you suffered in the incident, such as harm from falling or being knocked down by the dog
• A journal of any pain or discomfort that does not have visible indicators, such as neck or back pain and stiffness
• A list of any witnesses to the dog bite, their contact information, and a brief statement of what they saw
• A picture of the dog or description, name, and address of the owner, the owner’s contact information
• If you do not know who owns the dog, make detailed notes on the breed, size, and color of the dog, as well as other identifying items like a collar, tags, scars, or injuries
• Make copies of all medical records, treatment, and receipts for the care you receive related to the dog bite and other injuries from the incident

Who Is Liable For My Expenses?
California is a strict liability state regarding injuries caused by a dog. The dog owner is almost always responsible for any harm caused by the dog unless it is being injured or mistreated at the time of the dog bite. These rules apply to dog bites that occur in public areas and on private property. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kenmore Law Group immediately to learn more about holding the owner of the dog that bit you liable for the expenses and losses you suffered.

How Much Is A San Diego Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth?
The value of your dog bite lawsuit will be based on the actual losses and expenses you incurred due to the incident. Your legal team will help you compile the information needed to ensure you are fully compensated for the results of the dog bite. The common expenses and losses included in your compensation are:

• All current and future estimated medical costs
• Any lost wages
• The value of personal property damages in the incident
• Your legal expenses
• Compensation for your pain and suffering, if applicable

Critical Time Factors To Know
The time it will take to complete your dog bite lawsuit will vary based on many factors, such as the court’s workload and the defendant’s actions. Your Kenmore Law Group legal team will work diligently to keep the case progressing as rapidly as possible. You should also know that you have only two years from the date of the dog bite to file your case with the court. If the lawsuit is not filed in that time, you will lose the right to sue the dog owner for losses and harm caused during that dog bite incident. Please reach out to the expert dog bite lawyers at Kenmore Law Group to learn more about when to file your claim and how soon the case can be resolved.

When You Need The Best Dog Bite Lawyer
Many dog bite victims fear they cannot afford to hire a quality lawyer to handle their lawsuit. They are often facing financial challenges such as medical expenses and lost wages because they are unable to work. Sadly, it is assumed they cannot afford the upfront legal fees needed to hire a good lawyer. However, when you speak to Kenmore Law Group, you will learn that we never ask for any upfront legal fees or expenses. We only get paid after the case is completed, and you have the compensation needed to cover all your legal costs. Finally, you owe us nothing if Kenmore Law Group fails to win your San Diego County dog bite lawsuit.

Please make the time immediately to contact our dedicated staff to learn about your obligation to report any dog bite incident and your right to full compensation for the harm and losses it caused. Our team is here 24/7 to help you through this stressful time.