Wisconsin Dog Bite Statistics 2026
Key Stats Up Front
- Dog bites occur roughly every 75 seconds in the United States (CDC).
- 80% of dog bites happen at home (Oklahoma State University Extension).
- A majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim’s family or a friend (Oklahoma State University Extension).
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported that almost 90% of dogs involved in bites were known to the children.
How Many Dogs Are There in Wisconsin?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are an estimated 2,479,480 households in Wisconsin. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates 44.6% of U.S. households own at least one dog with an average of 1.46 dogs per household. Based on those figures, there are approximately 1.1 million households in Wisconsin that have dogs, totaling around 1.6 million dogs in the state.
How Many Dogs are in the US?
- 44.6% of U.S. households own at least one dog
- Dogs average 1.46 pets per household
- Approximately 68 million households own dogs
- There are an estimated 83,739,829 – 88,853,254 dogs in the U.S.
- The average annual expenditure per household is $367
Dog Attack Statistics(According to the World Animal Foundation)
- Nearly 4.5 million people are victims of dog bites in the US each year (CDC)
- 1 in every 5 dog bites becomes infected (CDC)
- 70% of dog bites are from unneutered male dogs (ASPCA)
- Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 77% of all dog bites (Forbes)
Milwaukee Ranks #17 For US Cities with the Most Dog Bites
According to a USPS press release on May 29, 2025, Milwaukee ranks #17 among US cities with the most dog bites reported to USPS, with 20 incidents in 2024. The worst cities in the US for dog bites included Los Angeles (#1), Houston (#2), Chicago (#3), and St. Louis (#4). Wisconsin did not make the top 10 list of the US states with the most dog bites. California, Texas, Ohio, Illinois and New York ranked top 5.
Dog Bite Fatalities By State 2005 – 2020
A Guide to Wisconsin’s Dog Bite Statutes
Definitions and General Provisions
Wis. Stat. § 174.001 Definitions
Provides legal definitions for terms used in dog-related statutes, including “owner,” “domestic animal,” and “collar.”
Wis. Stat. § 174.052 Dog license and vaccination notice
Requires counties to annually publish notices about dog license and rabies vaccination requirements, ensuring public awareness.
Wis. Stat. § 174.07 Dog licenses and collar tags
Details the requirements for dog licenses and tags, establishing a system for dog identification and ownership tracking.
Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(a) Strict Liability
Holds dog owners liable for any damages their dog causes to people, animals, or property, regardless of prior knowledge of aggression.
Wis. Stat. § 174.02(1)(b) Double Damages
Imposes double damages on owners who knew their dog previously caused injury, incentivizing responsible ownership after incidents.
Wis. Stat. § 174.02(2) Penalties
Sets financial penalties for owners whose dogs cause injury, with increased fines for subsequent offenses.
Wis. Stat. § 174.02(3) Court Order to Kill a Dog
Allows courts to order a dog’s euthanization if it caused serious injury on two separate occasions off the owner’s property.
Wis. Stat. § 174.02(4) Law Enforcement Exception
Exempts owners of dogs used by law enforcement from liability for damages caused during official duties.
Wisconsin Dog Bites Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin a one bite state?
No. Wisconsin does not have a “one bite” rule that protects dog owners after a first incident. Instead, owners are strictly liable for all dog attacks, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.
Can I sue if a Wisconsin law enforcement dog bites me?
Per Wis. Stat. § 174.02(4), agencies are exempt when dogs cause damage while performing official duties like apprehending suspects or searching. This applies only to law enforcement dogs during active operations, not to private owners or off-duty situations.
What if I was bitten by a Wisconsin service dog?
Wisconsin’s dog bite law (Wis. Stat. § 174.02) holds service animal owners strictly liable for injuries, regardless of prior knowledge. Victims must prove no provocation and premises liability may apply if the attack occurred due to unsafe conditions on another’s property.
Mail Carriers Bitten By Dogs Stats:
In 2024, there were more than 6,000 reported dog attacks on Postal Service employees. Dog owners may face significant consequences if their dogs pose a threat to mail carriers, including the potential cessation of mail service. If issues remain unresolved, owners might be required to rent a Post Office box to receive their mail.
Average Compensation for Dog Bite Cases 2025
2025 Average Payouts for Dog Bite Cases:
$1,862.1 million in 2025
In 2025, the estimated value of dog bite and dog-related injury claims was $1,862.1 million.
28,450 Dog Bites claimed in 2025
The estimated number of dog bite and dog-related injury claims in 2025 was 28,450.
$65,450 average cost of claim
The average cost per dog bite and dog-related injury claim in 2025 was $65,450.
18.6% value of claims
18.6% value of claimsFrom 2024 to 2025, the value of claims increased by 18.6%.
25.6% number of claims
The number of claims increased by 25.6% from 2024 to 2025.
5.5% average cost per claim
5.5% average cost per claimThe average cost per claim decreased by 5.5% from 2024 to 2025.
Source: Insurance Information Institute Statistics
Wisconsin Dog Vaccination Laws
The Wisconsin Legislature mandates every dog to be vaccinated against rabies by 5 months of age. Owners must have their dogs revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination, and then revaccinated before the immunization expires. If a dog over 5 months old is brought into Wisconsin, it must be vaccinated within 30 days unless it has a current rabies certificate from another state.
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Initial Vaccination
By 5 months of age.
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Revaccination
Booster shot 1 year after the initial shot, then before the vaccine expires.
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Out-of-State Dogs
Vaccinated within 30 days if over 5 months, unless they have a current rabies certificate.
What penalties exist for not vaccinating or licensing dogs in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law imposes escalating penalties for dog-related violations. Owners face a $50-$100 fine per unvaccinated dog against rabies. Unlicensed dogs after April 1 incur a $5 late fee each, with potential forfeitures up to $500 per offense for failure to license. More broadly, Wis. Stat. § 174.15 allows up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days imprisonment for any violation of Section 174, encompassing various dog-related regulations.
How long are unvaccinated dogs quarantined after a dog bite in WI?
The dog must be quarantined at a designated facility for 10 days, with veterinary examinations on the first day, the last day and one intervening day.
Rabies Statistics in Wisconsin
Bats and skunks are the main reservoirs of the rabies virus in Wisconsin. Dogs typically become infected through wildlife sources. While skunks were historically the most affected, the number of rabid bats has surpassed that of skunks in the past decade.
Wisconsin’s last 4 human rabies cases occurred in 1959, 2000, 2004 and 2010, all contracted from bats. *
Animal Rabies in Wisconsin, 2018
Animal Rabies in Wisconsin, 2014 – 2018
Animal Rabies in Wisconsin, 1962 – 2018
Rabies Vaccination Rates in Animal Bite Incidents
A study by the Wellington–Dufferin–Guelph Public Health Department assessed rabies vaccination rates among dogs and cats involved in biting incidents from 2010 to 2011. The findings revealed an average of 1.55 animal bites per 1,000 residents annually, with 54% of the animals vaccinated, 32% not up-to-date, and 14.5% with unknown status.
Factors such as the number of veterinary clinics and urban versus rural settings influenced bite rates, while no predictors were found for unvaccinated animals. The study identified municipalities with high biting incidents and low vaccination rates as targets for educational campaigns on rabies vaccination.
An Introduction to the Rabies Prevention Algorithm
The Rabies Algorithm, or Rabies Prevention Flowchart, is an electronic tool the Wisconsin Department of Health Services developed to guide decision-making regarding rabies prevention and management. Aimed primarily at local health department staff, it helps determine appropriate actions in common rabies exposure scenarios while preventing unnecessary post-exposure prophylaxis.
Based on CDC guidelines, the flowchart is interactive and leads users through a series of questions but is not exhaustive and requires sound judgment. It also provides information on consultation services, specimen submission for rabies testing and guidance on human and animal exposures, ensuring public health practitioners can effectively advise clinicians and the community on rabies prevention.
Most Common Treatment for Dog Bites
Amoxicillin-clavulanate is the antibiotic of choice for dog bite wounds and is effective against common bacteria in dog bites, including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus and anaerobes. Alternatives include doxycycline, clindamycin with fluoroquinolone for adults and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for children. These medications are often used for deep puncture wounds, bites to the hands or face, wounds requiring surgical repair, or bites in immunocompromised patients. The need for rabies and tetanus treatment should also be evaluated after a dog bite.
*Please note, while this is common information about dog bite treatment, it’s important to follow the advice of your medical professional after a dog bite.
Dog Bite Injury & Death Statistics
Most Common Area Of Body Dogs Bite
- 47.3% upper extremity
- 26.8% head/neck
- 21.5% lower extremity
- 2.9% lower trunk
- 7.5% upper trunk
DOG BITE STATISTICS FOR CHILDREN
Fatal Dog Bites in Infants
26% of dog bite fatalities involved children aged 0-2 years, according to a 13-year study.
5-9 Year-Olds Frequent ER Visits
Children aged 5-9 accounted for 9.15% (31,552) of emergency room visits for dog bites in 2018.
High Risk: Ages 5-9
The rate of dog bites is highest for children between the ages of 5-9, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Children Make Up 51% of Bites
Over half (51%) of dog bite victims are children, based on estimates from the Humane Society.
Most Dog Bites from Familiar Dogs
Nearly 90% of dogs involved in bites were known to the child victims.
80% of Pediatric Bites: Ages 0-5
Children aged 5 years or younger account for approximately 80% of dog bite injuries in the pediatric population (0-19 years).
DOG BITE FATALITIES BY AGE 2005-2020
Dogs Are the 4th Deadliest Creature on Earth
While dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” they can also pose significant risks. Rabid dogs, along with incidents of maulings and bites, contribute to approximately 25,000 dog-related fatalities annually.
The most deadly creatures include mosquitos (#1), Humans (#2) and Snakes (#3).
The Odds of Dying From a Dog Bite are 1 in 53,843
While the idea of a dog attack can be very frightening, the good news is that dog attack statistics show this is unlikely to occur. The odds of dying as a result of a dog bite are just one in 53,843. By comparison, the odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident are 1 in 93 and the odds of dying in a cataclysmic storm are one in 20,098.
Less than 1% of dog attacks result in a death.
Although dog bites can lead to severe injuries, fatalities are rare, with only 30 to 50 deaths occurring annually out of approximately 4.5 million bite incidents. This means less than 1% of bites result in death. Each fatality is tragic, and families may be entitled to significant settlements for their losses.
66% of Fatal Dog Bite Deaths Caused by Pit Bulls
A comprehensive review by Dogsbite.org revealed that pit bulls are responsible for a striking 66% of fatal dog bite incidents over the past 15 years, accounting for 346 out of 521 total deaths. In comparison, Rottweilers contributed to 10% of these fatalities, while other breeds such as German Shepherds, mixed breeds, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs, and Huskies also had a presence but with significantly lower numbers. This data highlights the disproportionate impact of pit bull attacks in fatal dog bite cases, although it’s essential to recognize that these fatalities represent only a small fraction of the overall injuries inflicted by dogs.
On the other hand, when evaluating temperament, pit bulls show a surprisingly positive outcome. According to the American Temperament Tests Society, an impressive 87.4% of 931 tested American Pit Bull Terriers passed their temperament assessments. This performance is comparable to other breeds often regarded as less dangerous; for example, Collies had a passing rate of 80.8%, German Shepherds scored 85.3%, and Golden Retrievers achieved 85.6%. These results challenge the stereotype that certain breeds are inherently aggressive or dangerous.
In contrast, the Bearded Collie, which had the lowest passing rate at 56.9%, highlights the variability in temperament across breeds, even among those perceived as less aggressive. However, it’s worth noting that only 51 Bearded Collies participated in the test, which may limit the reliability of this figure. Overall, the juxtaposition of the high rate of fatal attacks attributed to pit bulls against their positive temperament testing results underscores the complexity of breed behavior and the need for a nuanced understanding of dog safety and training.
Top Reason For Dog Bites in WI
- Lack of Training Knowledge: A study by the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found dog bite injuries tripled for several months in 2020, with the rate of dog bites involving children increasing by 25%. Many experts attribute this rise to the increase in pet ownership during the pandemic, with many first-time dog owners lacking proper knowledge of training and socialization techniques for their breeds.
- Failure to Socialize Dogs: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports dog bite incidents can be associated with factors such as owner behavior, supervision, dog training and socialization. Proper socialization techniques, including exposure to new people, places, sounds, and smells, can help prepare dogs to respond appropriately in potentially stressful situations.
- Breed-Specific Aggression: While any dog breed can bite, certain breeds may be more prone to aggression if not properly trained and socialized. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds were responsible for a higher percentage of fatal dog bite incidents in the United States.
- Lack of Compliance with Local Laws: Wisconsin’s dog bite laws (Wisconsin Statutes § 174.02) hold dog owners strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs, including fines and potential euthanasia orders for repeat offenders. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations regarding dog ownership, licensing, and control can contribute to an increased risk of dog bite incidents.
Proper training, socialization and responsible ownership can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents occurring.
15.55% of dog bites were committed by stray dogs rather than pets
According to Forbes.com, stray dogs account for 15.55% of dog bite incidents, posing a significant risk due to aggressive behavior stemming from fear or inadequate socialization and training. Additionally, resource guarding can be a concern among animals lacking regular meals from caring owners.
Males are more likely to be attacked by dogs than females.
Children are not the only group at elevated risk of dog attacks. Men are more likely than women to become the victims of aggressive canines. In fact, 52.6% of dog attacks involved male victims while just 47.4% involved females.
Unneutered male dogs were 2.6 times more likely to bite people than neutered dogs.
According to the ASPCA, unneutered male dogs were responsible for between 70% and 76% of dog bites and were 2.6 times as likely as neutered dogs to bite.
Reported bite attacks by dog breeds (yearly average between 2014-2020)
Pit Bulls 3,397 ATTACKS
Rottweilers 535 ATTACKS
German Shepherds 113 ATTACKS
Wolf Dogs 85 ATTACKS
Huskies 83 ATTACKS
Boxers 64 ATTACKS
Great Danes 37 ATTACKS
Bull Mastiffs 28 ATTACKS
Doberman Pinschers 23 ATTACKS
Malamutes 15 ATTACKS
DOG BITE STATISTICS BY BREED
Breeds of dogs involved in the most human fatalities
Dogs With the Strongest Bite Force
Who to Contact As The Dog’s Owner
- Animal ControlMADACC can provide guidance on the proper procedures to follow, including reporting the incident, quarantining the animal for observation, and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC)
Phone: (414) 649-8640 (business hours)
Address: 3839 W Burnham St, West Milwaukee, WI 53215 - Emergency Veterinary CareIf the dog involved in the bite incident requires immediate medical attention, you can contact the following emergency veterinary clinic:
VCA Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals
Phone: (414) 543-7387
Address: 3670 S 108th St, Greenfield, WI 53228
For sick/injured animals needing immediate care after hours
