AVMA News

National Dog Bite Prevention Week happening April 13-19

Any dog can bite—for a variety of reasons—so National Dog Bite Prevention Week, observed April 13-19 this year, aims to raise awareness about preventing bites.

The AVMA, along with other members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition, sponsors the annual event. Other coalition members are State Farm Insurance, Insurance Information Institute, and Positively.

Smiling puppy dog
National Dog Bite Prevention Week focuses on educating the public on ways to prevent dog bites. Visit the AVMA website for more information and promotional resources.

This year, the AVMA has designated daily themes to highlight throughout the week:

  • Monday—Any dog can bite: understanding the risk
  • Tuesday—Training and socialization
  • Wednesday—Breed-specific laws don’t stop dog bites
  • Thursday—Safe interactions: approaching dogs and preventing bites
  • Friday—Working together: education and ongoing awareness

The AVMA explains why dogs bite and how pet owners can prevent dog bites. A toolkit also offers AVMA members helpful materials to educate clients.

The AVMA believes that breed-specific legislation is an ineffective response to dog bites and recommends enforcing generic laws for dangerous dogs that are not breed specific, with an emphasis on chronically irresponsible owners.

In its report, “A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention,” the AVMA highlights encouraging neutering and spaying, prohibiting dog fighting, and enforcing animal control ordinances such as leash laws.

The AVMA also recommends community outreach initiatives such as school-based and adult programs to educate the public about bite prevention, pet care, pet ownership responsibilities, and pet selection strategies.

Veterinarians can join the AVMA's efforts promoting National Dog Bite Prevention Week by using the hashtag #PreventDogBites on social media.