There are a few steps you can focus on after an attack to protect your safety and your legal rights.

1. Identify the dog’s owner.
2. Contact animal control.
3. Get treatment for your injuries.
4. Gather evidence of the attack.
5. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney.

Are you liable if your dog attacks another dog?

The state of California is a strict liability state. This means that if your dog bites another dog, animal or person, generally you are responsible for paying the vet bills and any other necessary damages to the owner of the animal that was bitten.

What happens if my dog attacks another dog on my property?

As a dog owner, you are liable if your dog attacks a person or another animal. While the Companion Animals Act 1998 gives certain protection to an owner whose dog attacks as a result of a person or an animal trespassing onto the property on which the dog is kept, other forms of liability may still apply.

Does house insurance cover dog attacks?

You should also be covered for third party liability; so if your dog attacks and injures someone, any damages that you’re deemed liable to pay (which could run into the hundreds of thousands) will be covered.

What can I do if a dog attacks my dog?

Lean into a wall or even toss your dog into a fenced area if need be. Be aware that the attacking dog might be able to jump that fence. Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal). Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog or your child away.

Can someone sue you if your dog bites their dog?

No. The state of California classifies dogs as the personal property of the owner. Therefore, an injured dog owner can sue under a property damage theory of liability.

Should I put my dog down for biting another dog?

Unless the dog has rabies, a hearing is required before the dog is Euthanasia can be required after a dog bite in California if the dog has rabies, if the dog has bitten at least 2 people, or if the dog has bitten and seriously injured someone, and had been raised to attack people or fight.

Can you insure a dog that has bitten?

Pet insurance can cover liability if your dog bites someone if the policy includes Third Party Liability. Most, but not all, accident and illness plans include 3rd party cover. Check the exclusions as cover might be restricted for some breeds and if your dog has a history of aggression.

Can a homeowners policy cover a dog bite?

Liability coverage from a homeowners or renters insurance policy (rather than a pet insurance policy) can help cover expenses in case your dog bites someone, knocks over a house guest, or scares a passerby.

How does homeowners insurance cover a dog?

How does homeowners insurance cover dogs? A standard homeowners insurance policy offers coverage for injuries caused by most dogs under the personal liability and medical payments to others provisions of your policy. Personal liability coverage

What happens if someone elses dog damages your home?

If your dog tears your sofa to shreds or damages other types of property within the home, that’s also not likely to be covered by your home insurance policy. However if someone else’s dog damages your home or property, you may be compensated by the liability portion of their homeowner’s insurance policy.

Who is responsible for property damage caused by a dog?

Injuries and property damage caused by dogs is normally covered under the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. This is true even when the policyholder’s dog causes injuries or property damage away from the owner’s home.