When Your Pet Attacks

Ask a hundred dog owners the question, “Do you think your pet would ever attack someone?” and you’re likely to get a “no” from just about all of them. No one thinks their cuddly little pet is capable of hurting another person, but they couldn’t be more wrong. In the United States, there are literally millions of different pet attacks each year, most of which are committed by dogs. While we may never see signs of aggression from out pets, their animal instincts will always be with them and you never know when they’ll show up. Should those instincts ever pop up and cause your pet to attack someone, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in damages. Severe attacks could even send you to jail and cause your animal to be euthanized. If you’re a pet owner, especially dog owner, be sure to read about these important statistics and how you can protect yourself and your animal from attacks.

Important Statistics

• According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 4.5 million dog bites every year. About a million of those dog bites require medical attention and over 30 people died from them last year.
• One study shows that the average dog bite claim costs nearly $25,000. That’s a number on the rise, as it’s increased by over 25% since 2003.
• Think dog bite insurance claims are rare? Think again. Dog bites made up nearly a third of all homeowner insurance liability claims. Not only that, they cost insurers more than $350 million in 2007 alone.

Limiting Your Liability

• If you’re a dog owner, especially of breeds known to bite, you need adequate homeowner’s insurance coverage. Most policies cover about $300,000, but you may want to consider a plan with up to $1 million in personal liability.
• Research the animal you want before you buy it. Find out if you’re even able to get proper insurance coverage, as some insurance providers will not provide it for breeds that pose a high risk.
• Get your animal trained by a professional. It gives you peace of mind and can make your pet more comfortable in your home. Talk to your local veterinarian about specialized animal behavioral trainers.
• Finally, be sensible with your pet and simply do the right thing. It’s always smart to have your animal sprayed or neutered, as it will reduce its aggressiveness and likelihood of biting. Don’t take your dog outside without a leash and invest in a decent fence if it primarily stays outside.

Additional Resources

• Stay Dog Bite Free
• Fatal Dog Attacks in the United States

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