As a dog owner, what is my responsibility to others?

Family pets play a vital role in our lives. Pet ownership has proven benefits to both physical and mental health in people. Similarly, assistance animals improve the lives of those with disabilities. They are loyal companions, they keep us active, and no one can deny that the special relationship we share with our pets contributes to our quality of life. A recent Kynetec (formerly Ipsos) poll released January 2019 indicates that 41% of Canadian households have at least one dog as a family pet (2018 pet population figures).

Source: Canadian Animal Health Institute

The role of domestic dogs has evolved over the years to include service dogs, rescue dogs, guard dogs (rural properties), personal trainer and herding, to name a few.

Dog Owners’ Liability Act

However, dogs as companion animals come with a certain amount of risk. Governments have enacted legislation that places extensive responsibilities on dog owners to prevent and avoid injury to innocent parties. Ontario, enacted legislation referred to as the Dog Owners’ Liability Act R.S.O 1990, D.  16

The Act places strict liability for dog’s actions on their owners regardless if they were aware that the animal had a tendency towards or history of violence. This liability extends to whoever is in control of the dog at the time, even if that person is not the owner. According to the Act, all damages and injuries are the legal and financial responsibility of the owner.

What to do if my dog does harm another person:

1. Remain calm.
2. Confine your dog to a crate or another room.
3. Help the bite victim wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
4. Be courteous and sympathetic to the bite victim. Avoid laying blame or getting defensive. This does not mean you need to admit fault.
5. Contact a medical professional for the bite victim. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed. No matter how  minor the bite is, the victim should seek medical care. Dog bites that look mild on the surface can get serious very fast.
6. Offer to contact a friend or family member for the victim.
7. Exchange contact information with the victim. Provide your insurance information, if applicable.
8. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information.
9. Contact your veterinarian and obtain your dog's medical records.
10. Inform local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders.

Source: The Spruce Pets

Liability insurance and dog bites:

• Most standard home insurance policies provide liability coverage. This means the insurance company will likely respond to a dog bite claim if your dog harms someone.
• It is important as a dog owner,  to read your home insurance policy carefully to understand what coverage you are paying for. 
• If your dog does harm someone, it is important that you notify your insurance company right away.

Dog bites are preventable, especially if you know why they might bite. So next time you have an expected guest and your dog does not seem to like the look of that individual confine your dog to a crate or another room. Better to be safe than sorry.