Dog Liability Insurance: Protecting Yourself and Your Best Friend

As an experienced insurance broker, I understand that our furry friends sometimes get themselves (and us!) into trouble. Dog liability insurance is crucial for any dog owner, and I'm here to guide you through finding the perfect policy.

What if my dog bites someone at the dog park?

Dog liability insurance should typically cover this scenario. Dog parks are considered public spaces, and your liability coverage would likely apply if your dog causes an injury.

What if my dog damages someone's property?

This type of incident would also usually be covered by dog liability insurance. For example, if your dog gets excited, jumps on a visitor, and knocks over an expensive vase, your liability insurance could help cover the cost of the damaged property.

I'm getting a new puppy – when should I get insurance?

Ideally, purchase insurance before you bring your puppy home. Accidents can happen quickly, and you want to be protected from the very beginning of your journey as a dog owner.

Does my liability insurance cover work situations?

It depends on your specific policy and place of work. Some policies may cover incidents related to your dog at work, but others might not. Therefore, in my opinion, the direct answer to this is a resounding "maybe." Here's why it's not straightforward:

Type of work:
If your dog has no direct involvement in your job (for example, you work in an office), your standard liability insurance might extend to some work-related incidents. However, this is not guaranteed.
Employer's Policy:
Some workplaces have insurance policies that cover employee actions, which could potentially include dog-related occurrences.
Policy Exclusions:
Many insurance policies have specific exclusions for work-related incidents. This is where it gets tricky.

Therefore, the best Course of Action:

Check your policy wording: Look carefully at the definitions and exclusions sections of your dog liability insurance policy.

Talk to your insurer: They are the best source to clarify if your specific policy offers any coverage in work situations.

Consult with your employer: Ask if their business insurance includes any protection for employee-related pet incidents.

What additional insurance do I need for therapy dog?

Standard dog liability might not be enough for a therapy dog. You'll likely need specialized insurance for the work your dog does. Often, the organization you certify with will have insurance options or requirements for their therapy dog teams as therapy dogs need specialized insurance that goes beyond standard dog liability. Here's what to consider:

Professional Liability Insurance:
This covers claims of negligence or errors made during your work as a therapy dog handler. For example, if your dog accidentally scratches a patient, causing an infection, professional liability could help cover costs involved.
General Liability Insurance:
Similar to dog liability, this protects against third-party injuries and property damage that might occur on therapy visits (e.g., your dog knocks over a fragile lamp).
Organization-Specific Insurance:
The organization you register your therapy dog with might require you to carry specific insurance or offer it themselves. Check their requirements.

Things to Remember:

Limits matter: Make sure your insurance limits are adequate for therapy work, where potential risks could be higher.

"On the job" definition: Clarify with your insurer what constitutes a covered incident. Is travel to therapy visits protected, or only time spent actively doing therapy?

Will my insurance cover costs if my dog gets loose and causes a car accident?

This is a tricky scenario. While some policies could offer some coverage, it's unlikely to be extensive. Car accidents can become very complex with multiple parties involved, and your auto insurance might be a more important factor in that situation.

Can I get extra coverage for veterinary bills if my dog is injured in an incident?

Dog liability insurance is designed to cover your financial responsibility to others, not your dog's medical costs. For accidents or illnesses, you would need separate pet health insurance.

FAQ

Do I need dog liability insurance?

Dog ownership comes with a degree of risk, even with well-behaved pups. Liability insurance protects you financially in those unexpected moments.

Dog liability insurance focuses on protecting you financially in the event that your dog causes harm or damage to others. Here's a breakdown of the typical coverage:

Bodily Injury:
If your dog bites, attacks, or in any way causes an injury to another person, this coverage helps pay for the injured party's medical expenses. This could include doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and even rehabilitation costs.
Property Damage:
If your dog damages someone else's property, liability insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements. Examples include your dog chewing up a neighbor's expensive shoes, knocking over a valuable antique, or scratching a vehicle.
Legal Defense Costs:
This is a critical aspect! If a lawsuit is filed against you due to your dog's actions, liability insurance will typically cover your legal fees, including lawyer costs, court fees, and any settlements or judgments you may have to pay (up to your policy limits).

Can I be sued if my dog bites someone?

Yes. Depending on your location, dog bite laws can hold owners strictly liable, meaning you could be sued regardless of whether you knew your dog could be aggressive.

Does my dog's breed affect my insurance options?

Unfortunately, yes. Some breeds deemed higher risk may face higher premiums or even be excluded from coverage by certain insurance companies.

I'm a dog walker, what kind of liability insurance do I need?

To answer this question, you need to focus on whether you do this as a professional, a business or occationally helping out. Specialized dog walker or pet sitter insurance usually includes liability, covering damage or injuries your charges might cause. Other form of liability may cover:

Homeowners or Renters Insurance:
Many of these policies include a base level of dog liability coverage. However, it's important to check the limits, as they might not be sufficient depending on your dog's breed or your risk tolerance.
Standalone Dog Liability Insurance:
This is an insurance policy specifically designed for dog owners, providing more comprehensive coverage with higher limits. It's a good option for those needing extra protection or if their homeowners/renters policy has exclusions for certain breeds.
Umbrella Insurance:
This form of insurance adds an extra layer of liability protection above and beyond your homeowners/renters and auto insurance policies. It could provide higher coverage limits for dog-related incidents.

Important Note:

Dog liability insurance will generally not cover incidents involving intentional harm caused by your dog, or damage to your own property.

My dog is in training to be a therapy dog, is there special insurance?

Yes. Therapy dog work usually needs additional liability coverage, sometimes provided through the certifying organization.

Understanding Dog Owner Liability Insurance: What You Need to Know