Preparing for Holiday Travel: What Dog Owners Need To Know About Liability Risks
If current trends continue, this holiday season could see even more dogs joining their owners on the road or in the air. The American Pet Products Association’s 2024 Dog and Cat Report: Strategic Insights from the National Pet Owners Survey found that 88% of dog owners had traveled with their pets by car, and 68% had taken them on a plane. Notably, 34% of dog owners brought their dogs on three or more car trips — a significant jump from 26% in 2022.
As travel becomes more pet-inclusive, new environments and unpredictable situations come with the territory. From short-term rentals to crowded airports, even well-behaved dogs can react unexpectedly. For dog owners, having dog liability insurance in place before you leave home offers peace of mind — and protection if your dog causes injury or damage while you’re away.
Travel Creates Unfamiliar and Unpredictable Situations
Even the most well-behaved dog can act out when they’re out of their comfort zone. Staying in places like Airbnbs or family homes can trigger stress — new smells, sounds, or routines may lead to reactive behaviors you don’t usually see at home. Add in young children, other pets, or holiday commotion, and it’s easy to see how tensions can rise.
Disrupted routines also play a role. When dogs miss regular walks, meals, or quiet time, they can become overstimulated. In public settings — such as rest stops, airports, or crowded parks — that excitement can quickly lead to unexpected reactions.
Liability Risks To Watch While Traveling With Dogs
Traveling dog owners face several liability concerns. One of the most common? Bites or scratches involving unfamiliar people or children. In shared spaces or crowded gatherings, dogs may feel cornered or overwhelmed.
Leaving your dog with a pet sitter or walker while you’re away also comes with risks. If your dog causes an injury or property damage under someone else’s care, you may still be liable — depending on the situation and location.
Crowded public areas are another hot spot. Whether you’re navigating an airport terminal or a holiday market, one abrupt movement or unexpected interaction could result in an incident.
Why Dog Liability Insurance Is a Smart Move Before You Travel
Standard homeowners insurance may offer limited or no coverage if your dog bites someone outside your home — and even less if you’re renting a vacation property. That’s where dog liability insurance can help. These policies are designed to provide financial protection in case your dog injures someone or damages property while you’re traveling.
Coverage can extend to temporary stays, rental properties, and public spaces — offering peace of mind far beyond your backyard. It’s especially helpful if you’ll be visiting other states with different dog bite laws, or if your accommodations involve pet deposits or liability waivers.
Before your trip, it’s also a good time to brush up on warning signs of dog aggression, so you can spot stress cues early and avoid escalating situations.
Travel Confidently With the Right Coverage in Place
Holiday travel should be joyful, not stressful. However, when dogs are out of their routine and in unfamiliar environments, things can go sideways quickly. That’s why having the right protection matters.
Before you hit the road, get a fast quote for dog liability insurance from Dog Bite Quote — and travel with peace of mind this holiday season.
About Dog Bite Quote
At Dean Insurance Agency, we’ve been providing protection to dog owners since 2012, with more than 10,000 policies issued. Our underwriting criteria and years of experience providing this coverage enable us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska and Kentucky. The quote is free, and there is NO obligation to purchase!