The Essential Guide to Dog Bites in Colorado - What To Do After A Dog Bite
A real-time, practical guide to dog bite incidents for Colorado Dog Owners
By Dion Studinski, Founder of Ancillary K9, Denver Dog Trainer & Behaviorist, with help from Emily Hines, Animal Lawyer
Dog bites are stressful, emotional, and often happen fast. In the moment, it’s easy to panic or make decisions that can make the situation worse for both the person bitten and the dog involved. Whether you’re the person bitten or the owner, knowing exactly what to do in this situation can protect everyone’s safety, health, and legal standing.
Colorado is an incredibly dog-friendly place. This can be great, as there’s a huge amount of dog-friendly spaces like patios, trails, and parks. However, this dog-friendly culture comes with potential risk. I find that many dogs lack the etiquette and good behavior needed to succeed in these spaces. I’m sure all Coloradans can relate to being unwillingly approached by an off-leash dog, knocked over at a dog park, or worse.
This practical guide contains essential knowledge on what to do after a dog bite. In a dog-friendly state like Colorado, every dog owner should know these basics to protect themselves and their dog. This guide breaks down exactly what to do in real time, followed by the legal steps and other considerations that come after.
Real-Time Guide: What To Do After a Dog Bite
1. Create immediate distance - Separate the dog and the person immediately and safely. Do not escalate the situation by yelling at the dog or person and do not apologize for what happened. Keep communication professional and factual.
“If you or your pet is injured, you can go to a safe area and call animal control to have them confront the biting dog's owner and identify witnesses,” says Emily Hines.
2. Assess the injury - Determine the severity of the bite. Even a small puncture can become serious if untreated.
3. Clean the wound - Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible to reduce infection risk.
4. Seek medical attention - For anything beyond a minor scratch, get professional medical care, as some dog bites can carry a high risk of infection.
5. Secure the dog - The dog should be safely contained to prevent further incidents. Avoid putting them back into a chaotic environment.
6. Exchange information - If the bite involves another person, exchange contact details and confirm vaccination records (especially for rabies).
7. Document everything - Take photos of the injury, the location, and any relevant details. Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
8. Report if necessary - In Colorado, dog bites should be reported to either Animal Control or 911. If it goes to 911, they'll route it to Animal Control or the appropriate enforcement agency (police or sheriff). If there's a bite to a human that requires medical attention, the clinic or hospital must report it to the health department under state law. Even if the doctor makes that report, you should still follow up with animal control for criminal enforcement and restitution (Source: Emily Hines).
9. Avoid immediate emotional conversations or decisions - Do not jump to conclusions or get wrapped up in emotional conversations. Focus on facts, immediate safety, and documentation.
Legal Considerations as a Receiver of a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten, your priority is medical care and documentation. After that:
Get full medical records and keep all receipts
Report the bite to local authorities if required
Identify the dog and confirm vaccination status
Document the incident in detail (photos, timeline, witnesses)
Legal Considerations as the Dog Owner
If your dog bites someone, your response matters significantly:
Secure your dog immediately and prevent further incidents
Provide vaccination records and your contact information
Cooperate with local authorities and reporting requirements
Do not attempt to hide the incident or avoid responsibility
Contact your insurance provider if applicable
Depending on the severity, you may face legal liability, fines, or requirements such as containment rules or behavioral assessments.
Whatever side you’re on, we highly recommend consulting a legal professional like our friend and Animal Lawyer, Emily Hines
Legal Overview Of Dog Bites in Colorado
Colorado follows a “strict liability” rule for serious dog bites. This means that if a dog causes serious bodily injury, the owner can be held legally responsible regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or whether the owner took reasonable precautions. In these cases, liability is based on the outcome, not the dog's past behavior or the owner's negligence.
Emily says, “I usually explain it like this: the risk of liability and level of criminal consequences is based on the severity of the injury, meaning the attack or bite.”
Here’s what a dog bite legal process in Colorado typically looks like at a bird’s-eye level:
Reporting - The person who was bitten reports the incident (see details on this in point 8 above). This typically includes providing details of what happened, where it occurred, and information about the dog and owner.
Investigation - Animal Control or local authorities (Police/Sheriff) conduct an investigation, which may involve interviewing both parties, speaking with witnesses, reviewing photos or medical records, and confirming the dog’s vaccination status - especially for rabies.
Mandatory Quarantine - The dog is often placed under a mandatory quarantine period (commonly 10 days) for observation. This is to monitor the dog for signs of rabies, since a dog that was contagious at the time of the bite would show symptoms within about 10 days. It’s typically ordered and enforced by local animal control or the health department, and the dog may either be confined at home under strict rules or held at an approved facility if needed.
Emily says, “Any biting (and bitten) dog must go through quarantine if the vaccination status cannot be verified. Important note for worried dog owners: quarantine can be done at home, and the dog can go outside if leashed and supervised.”
Escalation – Municipal (Public Safety Side) - If the injuries are severe or there are public safety concerns, authorities like animal control or law enforcement can escalate the case to municipal hearings. This is handled at the city/county level and focuses on community safety, not compensation. The outcomes are mandated and enforced by local animal control agencies and municipal courts, which have the authority to impose and monitor compliance.
Escalation – Civil (Compensation Side) - People who are bitten can choose to start civil proceedings, often through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This can happen alongside municipal action and is focused on financial compensation, not punishment of the dog. In some cases, settlements are paid out through the dog owner’s insurance
What are common outcomes of Municipal cases?
Restrictions on the dog – The dog can remain with the owner but must follow specific rules to reduce risk.
Muzzling in public – The dog is required to wear a muzzle when outside the home to prevent further incidents.
Secure containment requirements – The owner must ensure the dog is properly contained at home (e.g., secure fencing, locked enclosures) to prevent escape.
Court-ordered dog training or behavioral evaluation – The owner may be required to work with a professional trainer or dog behaviorist to address underlying behavior issues.
Fines or citations – The owner may face financial penalties for violations related to the incident.
Restitution – The court may order the dog owner to pay medical costs, veterinary bills, and, if an animal is killed, replacement costs or market value.
Ongoing compliance monitoring – Authorities may follow up to ensure all rules and requirements are being properly followed.
Dog Attack or Bite Violation– The dog approached a person in a manner of attack, or injured a person or another animal, which may result in fines, restrictions, or additional legal requirements.
Dog at Large – The dog was off the owner's property or not under proper control as required by local leash or containment laws.
Understanding Charges and Designations
Depending on the outcome of an investigation, a dog may face one of the following designations:
“Potentially Dangerous” Designation – A designation used for dogs that have displayed threatening behavior or caused less severe injuries. The dog is identified as posing a potential risk to public safety. While less severe than a dangerous dog designation, it can still result in increased management requirements such as leash and control restrictions, secure containment, mandatory training, warning signage, or increased monitoring. If additional incidents occur or the owner fails to comply, the designation may be upgraded to a dangerous dog classification.
“Dangerous dog” designation – A more serious classification generally reserved for dogs involved in severe attacks or repeated incidents. The dog is officially classified as a higher risk, which triggers stricter legal requirements. This means the owner must follow specific rules such as muzzling in public, using secure containment at home, carrying higher liability insurance, and complying with ongoing monitoring. In Colorado, following a dangerous dog designation, state-level registration with the Department of Agriculture is required by the state statute, as well as microchipping verified by a vet. Failure to follow these can result in additional penalties or the dog being removed from the home. (Source: Emily Hines)
As a result of a designation, owners may be subject to strict restrictions, permitting requirements, insurance mandates, or other legal obligations. The definitions and consequences of each designation vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to understand your local laws.
These laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some cities allow owners to keep designated dangerous dogs under strict conditions, while others do not. For example, Aurora allows dangerous dogs with a permit and specific requirements, while Denver does not. Because the rules and consequences can differ dramatically, owners should familiarize themselves with their local laws and contact a Colorado Animal Lawyer.
What are common outcomes of civil cases?
Medical expense reimbursement – Compensation for costs related to treatment, such as hospital visits, medications, follow-ups, or ongoing care.
Lost wages – Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work while recovering from the injury.
Pain and suffering (non-economic damages) – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, or lasting psychological impact from the incident.
Other damages – Additional compensation depending on severity, such as costs for rehabilitation, scarring or disfigurement, or long-term impacts on quality of life.
What if my dog bites another dog?
If your dog bites another dog, the process is similar, but the implications are usually less severe when a dog bites another dog instead of a person.
On the municipal side, animal control may investigate, especially if the incident was serious or ongoing. Your dog could still face restrictions (leash laws, containment requirements, or being labeled dangerous in some cases), but the threshold to be hit with strict penalties is typically higher when no human is injured.
On the civil side, the other dog’s owner can pursue compensation for veterinary bills or related costs. This is usually handled as a property damage claim (since pets are legally considered property), rather than a personal injury case. You generally won’t see “pain and suffering” claims in the same way as human bite cases.
Overall, it’s still taken seriously, but it’s usually treated as a lower-risk legal situation compared to a dog biting a person, unless there’s a pattern of aggressive behavior.
What are court-ordered dog evaluations?
Court-ordered dog evaluations are formal behavioral assessments required after a bite incident, typically mandated by municipal authorities. A qualified professional evaluates the dog’s temperament, triggers, bite severity, and overall risk to the public. The goal is to determine whether the behavior can be managed and what steps, such as training, handling changes, or restrictions, are necessary. These evaluations often play a key role in deciding the dog’s legal classification and any required conditions for keeping the dog. Here at Ancillary K9, we offer trusted Court Ordered Dog Evaluations.
Emily says, “I also recommend a voluntary, pre-emptive evaluation while the charges are pending. Courts are looking for evidence that the offending dog owner can be a safe handler and good citizen. So if the dog owner knows this was an isolated incident, the trainer's evaluation can describe the dog's usual behavior and provide recommendations for managing the dog safely in the community. This can be used as mitigation to reduce charges, prevent court-ordered relinquishment, or limit specific conditions.”
Should I have pet insurance that covers dog bite incidents?
Yes, having insurance that covers dog bite incidents is strongly recommended. Many homeowners or renters insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, but not all do, and some exclude certain breeds. Coverage can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements, which can be significant. Without it, the financial responsibility falls entirely on the owner, so it’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers.
Can local authorities impound my dog in Colorado?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, animal control or local authorities may impound a dog after a bite, attack, at-large violation, or other alleged violation of local animal laws. In some cases, a dog may be held during an investigation or required quarantine period while officials gather information about the incident. An impoundment does not automatically mean your dog will be declared dangerous or permanently removed, but it should always be taken seriously.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Impounded in Colorado
If your dog has been impounded, contact the shelter or animal control agency immediately to determine where your dog is being held and what steps are required for release. Be prepared to pay any applicable impoundment fees and comply with local requirements. Many jurisdictions have strict deadlines for reclaiming an impounded dog, and failing to act promptly can lead to additional penalties or, in some cases, loss of ownership rights under local law. The sooner you understand the process, the better your chances of resolving the situation and bringing your dog home. Emily says, “Under C.R.S. 18-9-202.5, you have 10 days to pay 30 days' worth of impoundment (typically $20 per day, per dog). It’s very important that the owner pays the fee. If you don't, the statute allows the shelter to determine the disposition of the animal. And any impoundment fees for holding time, even if you don't get the dog back, can be ordered as restitution.”
What If the Police or Animal Control Contact Me?
If law enforcement or animal control is investigating an incident or serving you a citation, your words and behavior matter greatly. Remain calm and cooperative. Identify yourself and provide any legally required information, but avoid speculating about what happened, your dog's past behavior, or the extent of any injuries. Even well-intentioned comments can be misunderstood or taken out of context. Stick to the facts you personally know and allow the investigation to determine the details.
Can the municipal or civil court have my dog euthanized?
In severe cases, yes, but it’s typically a last resort. Decisions like euthanasia are usually made through the municipal system, not civil court, and only when a dog is deemed a serious and ongoing public safety risk such as repeated incidents, extreme aggression, or death of another dog or person. Courts will usually consider factors like the severity of the case, the circumstances, and explore many other solutions like training or restrictions before making that decision.
In Colorado, Under C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5, mandatory euthanasia may apply after a guilty plea, conviction, deferred judgment, or deferred prosecution if the violation results in serious bodily injury to a person, death to a person, death to a domestic animal, or certain repeat violations involving the same dog. A simple bite or injury to another animal does not automatically trigger mandatory euthanasia.
While less common, euthanasia can also be ordered in a civil lawsuit. Under Colorado law (C.R.S. 13-21-124), a civil court can order euthanasia if a dog causes serious bodily injury or death to a person and the victim can prove that the dog owner had knowledge or notice of the dog's "viciousness or dangerous propensities." (Source: Emily Hines)
Dog bite prevention
Most bites are preventable. They rarely happen “out of nowhere.” There are almost always warning signs leading up to the incident. If your dog is showing even mild aggressive behavior or has a history of even minor bites, we strongly recommend speaking to a professional dog trainer in Colorado who specializes in reactivity, aggression, and behavior problem solving. In most cases, aggressive tendencies don't solve themselves - they worsen over time.
Preventing bites comes down to proper training and clear structure, building reliable obedience (especially recall and impulse control), and not letting your dog off-leash unless it has the skills and training foundation necessary to be a good and respectful neighbor. Prevention also includes recognizing and respecting warning signals, and seeking out proper dog training before the behavior escalates.
Rehabilitating a Dog After a Bite Incident
A dog bite does not automatically mean a dog is beyond help or needs to be euthanized. I have worked with many dogs who come to me because of court-ordered training, after bite incidents, and many on the verge of being re-homed or euthanized. In most cases, aggressive and reactive behavior can be addressed. I create structured, proven behavior modification plans that reduce and manage behavior problems. I recommend working with trainers with a proven track record of solving serious behavioral cases. These cases are complex and not all trainers are equipped to handle them. Working with an experienced canine behavior professional can reliably modify your dog's behavior and build a clear plan to move forward with safety and confidence.
If you are looking for a Colorado dog trainer who can help, get in touch!
No matter what side of a dog bite you're on, having the right team in your corner can make all the difference. Contacting an Animal Lawyer in particular is recommended - as they understand the legal complexities of dog bite cases. In need of dog bite support? Contact our friends at Emily A. Hines Law Office, PLLC.
This article is meant as an informational guide for Colorado dog owners and does not constitute legal advice.