What is what to do when you hit a dog?

If you accidentally hit a dog with your car, here's what you should do:

1. Stop and Assess: Immediately stop your car, but do so safely. Pull over to the side of the road, out of the flow of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Your first priority is safety for yourself and others on the road.

2. Check on the Dog: Approach the dog cautiously. Even if the dog seems friendly, it may be in pain and scared, potentially leading it to bite or lash out. Speak calmly and slowly. If possible, visually assess the dog's injuries without getting too close.

3. Contact the Owner: If the dog has identification tags with contact information, try to reach the owner immediately. Providing information about the accident%20details is very helpful.

4. Seek Veterinary Care: The dog likely needs immediate veterinary attention. If you can't reach the owner, consider taking the dog to the nearest veterinarian%20clinic yourself. If you're uncomfortable handling the dog, contact animal control or a local animal rescue organization. They can safely transport the dog to a vet. Explain the situation%20to%20the%20vet and they can take it from there.

5. Legal Considerations: In many places, it's legally required to report hitting a domestic animal, particularly a dog. Check your local laws regarding reporting%20requirements for animal-related incidents.

6. Financial Responsibility: Depending on the laws in your area, you may be financially responsible for the dog's veterinary bills. Your auto insurance may cover some or all of these costs. Check with your insurance provider about insurance%20coverage for this type of incident.

7. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, the dog, and any damage to your vehicle. Keep records of all communication with the owner, animal control, and the veterinarian. These records can be helpful in resolving any potential disputes or legal issues.