What to Do if Your Dog Bites Someone
Even the most well-behaved dog can experience triggers or lash out unexpectedly. The instinct to bite as a way to protect or defend can surface in certain situations.
If your dog does bite someone, you are likely worried about both the victim and the potential outcome. As the owner, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior. You may need to pay medical costs or other charges. Ensuring that your dog listens well and displays good behavior is essential. As a pet owner, you can also protect yourself financially by purchasing a Dog Bite Insurance policy.
Immediate Steps to Take
Your priority should be helping your dog’s bite victim, and removing your dog from the area by putting them inside, in a separate room, or even in a crate if available. Next, help the victim by getting them medical assistance.
Once you stabilize the situation, exchange your contact information with the bite victim and any witnesses that saw what took place. Call the authorities to report the incident and contact your dog’s veterinarian to obtain copies of their records to show vaccination dates and medical history.
Potential Outcomes
Legal consequences for dog bites vary widely by state, county, and even city. You must know your state laws and local ordinances, and HOA rules if applicable.
Common practices require you to show proof that your dog has a current rabies vaccination. The dog may need to enter quarantine for some time. A longer quarantine is required if he hasn’t had a recent vaccine.
If the bite was severe, or your dog has a history of aggressive behavior, he may be named as dangerous. In cases where the victim suffered a serious injury or death, the dog may be euthanized. If the victim had a minor injury and you can keep the dog, you must make sure another attack doesn’t happen.
You are legally responsible for your dog, so you may face a civil suit, fines, charges, and responsibility for medical costs. Keep your dog bite insurance policy active and understand the liability coverage it offers. Be sure to check your homeowners or renters insurance policies before there’s an incident to ensure you have adequate coverage, as animal coverage has been reduced or removed from many policies.
Understanding Dog Behavior and Preventing Bites
Dogs may bite when they feel the need to protect themselves, their pack, or their territory. Another common reason for a dog to bite is if they are in pain, injured, ill, or afraid.
Understand possible triggers that can lead to bites. Get to know your dog’s personality and train them to act correctly and respond to commands. Skittish or aggressive dogs may require socialization classes or more intensive training from a professional.
Dog bites can be serious and have severe consequences for the victim, as well as you and your pet. Take the necessary precautions to prevent bites from happening. Train your dog properly and keep them supervised at all times to avoid accidents and injuries.
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 enables us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska & Kentucky. The quote is free and there is NO obligation to purchase!