Getting bitten by a dog is already a nightmare. But when the dog owner won’t share their pet’s vaccination records? That’s when things get really stressful. You’re left with questions: Was the dog vaccinated for rabies? What’s the next step? The good news is, you’re not stuck. There are ways to get the information you need. And if the dog owner’s not cooperating, a dog bite attorney can step in and make sure things don’t stall. 

5 Steps to Take When the Dog Owner Won’t Share Vaccination Records

Here’s what you can do when the other party won’t cooperate.

1. Request the Report Directly from Animal Control

Don’t rely solely on the dog owner. You can request the vaccination records directly from local animal control, as it is public information. And as someone involved in the incident, you are entitled to it. All you need to do is to contact your local animal control or health department. It can be either in person, online or by phone. They can get you the information you need to move forward.

2. Send a Formal Request to the Insurer

If the dog owner’s insurance is in charge, and they’re still being difficult, it is time to send them a formal, written request. Put your request in writing and set a clear deadline for them to respond. A written request holds more weight than a verbal one. This is necessary to do because you don’t want to keep waiting indefinitely. If they still miss the deadline, having sent a written request puts you in a much stronger position.

3. Report the Bite to Your Own Insurance

Even if the other driver’s insurance is stalling, make sure you don’t leave your own insurer out of the loop. File a claim with them as soon as possible. This way, you’re not stuck waiting for the other party to come through. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, this will help cover you in the meantime.

4. Document Everything While You Wait

You may be waiting for a while. But while you’re doing that, It is important to keep gathering evidence. Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and any visible damage. Also, record anything the dog owner says to you. Get witness statements if you can. The more you document, the stronger your case will be. It’s all about having your bases covered.

5. Consult with a Dog Bite Attorney

If things are still at a standstill, it might be time to reach out to pros. An attorney can take over the situation, communicate with the insurance company, and even request the vaccination records on your behalf. And the best part is that when an attorney gets involved, things usually start to move quicker. They know exactly how to handle the legal side of things, so you have no reason to stress.

Common Excuses from Dog Owners and Why They Don’t Hold Up

“We don’t have the records.”

This excuse is easy to shoot down. The records aren’t in the dog owner’s hands, they’re with the vet or animal control. You have the right to request them directly from these authorities. Don’t buy into this excuse.

“The dog isn’t dangerous.”

It doesn’t matter if the dog is “friendly.” Rabies can be transmitted by any dog. The lack of records leaves you in the dark. It’s not about whether the dog is dangerous, it’s about making sure you’re safe.

“You need a court order.”

This one’s a classic scare tactic. You don’t need a court order. In most cases, the records are public, and you’re entitled to access them. Don’t let them intimidate you with that line.

What to Do If the Dog Owner Is Completely Uncooperative

If the dog owner won’t cooperate at all, it’s time to escalate things. You can report the situation to animal control or your own insurer. If you’re still hitting dead ends, a dog bite attorney is your best option. They know exactly how to handle uncooperative dog owners and insurers, and they can push things forward. Having a legal professional involved will often get things moving much faster.

Conclusion

Getting bitten by a dog is unfortunate. It is stressful, painful, and messy. Add on top of that, the owner refuses to share the vaccination records. That makes everything even harder. But here’s the thing. You don’t have to just sit there and wait endlessly. There are steps you can take. First, report the bite to animal control and your insurance. Keep track of every detail. Write everything down. It’s your right. If the owner still refuses to cooperate, it’s time to get a dog bite attorney involved. They can push things forward. They know what to do. You deserve answers. You deserve to know if the dog was vaccinated. Take action, get the info you need, and protect your health. You can do this.