Published on this website: October 19, 2026
A-Z Insurance · Information checked: 2026-10-11 · Original publication date unknown
Having a dog brings joy and a responsibility to keep other people safe. Personal liability coverage under a home, condo or tenant policy may help if your dog injures someone. Coverage depends on the incident, policy wording, limits and exclusions.
Legal responsibility and insurance coverage are separate questions
Section 2 of Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act makes an owner liable for damage caused by their dog biting or attacking a person or domestic animal. Liability does not depend on prior knowledge of the dog’s tendencies or negligence by the owner. The court also considers a claimant’s contribution to the damage. “My dog has never bitten anyone before” does not automatically remove responsibility. Read the Ontario legislation.
Being legally responsible does not automatically mean an insurer must pay. The insurer must still determine whether the person, incident and loss fall within the policy.
Which coverage might respond?
Personal liability coverage may cover compensation for third-party injury or property damage and defence costs for a covered claim. Renters should check their own tenant policy rather than assume their landlord’s insurance covers their responsibility for a pet. IBC explains personal liability coverage.
This is not a promise to reimburse every medical bill. Legal liability coverage and any separate voluntary medical payments coverage have different conditions. Injuries to you or insured household members should not simply be treated as third-party liability claims.
Check both breed laws and underwriting rules
The claim that Ontario has no breed ban and only insurers impose restrictions is incorrect. Ontario law prohibits pit bulls as defined in the Act, subject to limited exceptions. Dogs within an exception may still face additional control requirements. Consult the Act and Ontario’s dog control regulation. Having insurance does not establish that owning a particular dog is lawful.
Insurers also have their own underwriting requirements. Answer questions about your dog’s breed and any bite or aggression history accurately. Ask your broker to check animal liability exclusions or restrictions. A breed list found online is not a reliable statement of every insurer’s rules. An insurer’s explanation of pet liability and breed considerations.
After a bite, put people’s safety first
- Safely separate and control the dog to prevent further injury. Call 911 for serious injury or an immediate emergency.
- The injured person should promptly seek medical assessment and contact local public health about possible rabies exposure. York Region advises washing the exposed area with soap and warm water and reporting animal exposures. Follow healthcare and public-health instructions. York Region’s animal exposure guidance.
- Without delaying care, preserve the time, location, photographs, contact details for those involved and witnesses, and the pet’s vaccination records.
- Notify your insurer or broker promptly. Forward any demand letter or legal documents. Check with your insurer before promising a settlement amount or signing documents that could affect the claim.
- Cooperate with local animal services and public-health requirements.
Pet medical insurance is a different product
Pet medical insurance primarily concerns veterinary expenses for the animal. Check whether a particular pet policy includes any third-party liability protection rather than assuming it does.
Three useful questions for your broker are: Is my dog covered? Are there specific exclusions? Is my liability limit appropriate for my household?
A-Z Insurance can help you review the relevant protection in your home, condo or tenant policy. Call 905-707-2929 or email info@azinsure.ca.
This is general Ontario insurance information, not individual legal or insurance advice. Policy terms and the insurer’s assessment determine actual coverage.