Dog-on-dog aggression can be traumatic for both animals and their owners. While so much focus is put on dog bites where humans are involved, what if one dog bites another? This is a different kind of scenario with special legal and emotional complexities. Knowledge of your rights and duties can make a big difference in how you react in such a situation.
Is the Dog Owner Liable If Their Dog Bites Another Dog?
In the eyes of the law, dogs are considered personal property. This classification means that if another dog injures your pet, you may be entitled to compensation under property damage laws.
Legal liability often depends on several factors:
- Whether the dog had a history of aggression
- If the dog was off-leash or not properly restrained
- Whether local leash laws or dangerous dog statutes were violated
- Whether the owner acted negligently
Some states have strict liability laws, meaning the dog owner is responsible for damages regardless of whether the dog showed previous signs of aggression. Other states require proof of negligence or a history of attacks.
What You Can Recover After Your Dog Is Bitten
When your dog is attacked, you may be able to recover the following economic damages:
- Veterinary bills for emergency care and treatment
- Surgical procedures
- Medications and follow-up care
- Therapy or rehabilitation
- Transportation costs related to vet visits
- Boarding costs if your dog needs specialized post-injury care
In cases where a dog dies from its injuries, some courts may allow recovery of the dog’s market value. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also be able to claim compensation for emotional distress or loss of companionship—although not all states allow for this since dogs are still legally considered property.
Can You Sue for Emotional Distress?
Although many owners view their pets as family, the law often does not treat them the same way. In most states, emotional distress damages are difficult to recover for dog-on-dog attacks. However, some courts have awarded damages in extreme cases, especially where the other dog owner acted with gross negligence or willful disregard.
Consulting with an attorney familiar with animal law in your state is the best way to understand your chances of recovering non-economic damages.
Common Scenarios Where One Dog Bites Another
Dog-on-dog aggression may happen in various everyday settings:
- At dog parks, especially if dogs are off-leash
- During neighborhood walks
- In shared spaces like apartment complexes or dog-friendly cafes
- In multi-dog homes, where one dog attacks another
- When a stray dog enters your yard or interacts with your pet
Each situation will be evaluated based on the surrounding facts, including whether the aggressive dog was under control and whether the injured dog provoked the attack.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten
If your dog is bitten by another dog, take the following steps:
1. Get Your Dog to Safety
Separate the dogs immediately and get your dog out of harm’s way. Even if the injuries seem minor, dogs can go into shock or suffer from internal wounds.
2. Exchange Information
If the other dog has an owner present, collect:
- Contact information
- Vet contact details
- Proof of vaccinations, especially rabies
If the attacking dog is a stray, contact animal control right away.
3. Document the Incident
Take photos of:
- Your dog’s injuries
- The location where the attack occurred
- Any visible injuries on the other dog
- The leash status of both dogs
- Witnesses at the scene
This evidence will be helpful if you need to file a claim or go to court.
4. Report the Incident
File a report with your local animal control agency. Not only does this create an official record, but it also helps identify dangerous dogs and may prevent future attacks.
5. Visit the Veterinarian
Schedule an immediate visit, even if the injuries seem superficial. Wounds can become infected, and internal damage might not be obvious at first. Keep all medical records and receipts.
6. Contact a Legal Professional
If the owner of the attacking dog refuses to pay for medical expenses, or if your dog suffered serious injuries, reach out to a pet injury attorney. They can help you pursue compensation through a small claims court or civil lawsuit.
What If Your Dog Was the Aggressor?
If your dog bites another dog, take the situation seriously. Here’s what you should do:
- Apologize and provide your contact and vet info
- Offer to pay for medical bills
- Cooperate with any investigation
- Consider professional training or behavioral assessments for your dog
- Stay up-to-date on all vaccinations
Being proactive can help defuse tension and may protect you from future liability.
Dog Park Incidents: Special Considerations
Dog parks often present gray areas when it comes to liability. Many operate under “use at your own risk” policies. That said, if your dog is injured without provocation, and the aggressive dog has a history of such behavior, the other owner may still be liable.
In these situations, having witnesses, video footage, or previous animal control reports can strengthen your case.
Insurance and Dog-on-Dog Attacks
Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies do not cover injuries to other dogs unless the policyholder has specific pet liability coverage. If the other owner has no insurance or refuses to pay, you may need to take your claim to small claims court.
Filing in small claims court allows you to represent yourself and recover veterinary expenses and other costs without hiring an attorney.
When Legal Action Makes Sense
You may want to pursue legal action if:
- The dog owner refuses to pay vet bills
- The attack was unprovoked and severe
- The attacking dog had a history of aggression
- Your dog suffered long-term injuries or death
Most small claims courts have limits on the amount you can recover, but for moderate vet bills and related costs, this option is often the most efficient route.
Preventing Dog-on-Dog Aggression
Prevention is always better than litigation. As a responsible dog owner, you should:
- Keep your dog leashed in public areas
- Avoid off-leash parks if your dog is reactive
- Train and socialize your dog properly
- Observe your surroundings for off-leash or aggressive dogs
- Know your local leash laws and pet ordinances
Being proactive can protect not only your dog but others in your community as well.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
