A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the physical wounds, emotional trauma, and financial damages can last far longer. Whether the incident occurs in a Toronto park, a neighbour’s backyard, a condo hallway, or during a routine walk, dog bites often leave victims dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, lost income, and lasting trauma. Many people don’t realize that Ontario law strongly protects dog bite victims, even if the dog wasn’t considered a dangerous dog and has never shown aggression before. While most dogs may be harmless, an untrained dog can cause serious injuries and severe pain when in an attack. Understanding your rights after a dog attack is critical to protecting your health and your legal claim.
Dog Bite Laws in Canada
Asking what happens if my dog bites someone in Canada does not have a simple answer, as dog bite laws vary by province. That said, Ontario has some of the strongest victim-focused legislation in the country. Unlike jurisdictions that require proof of a dog’s prior aggression, Ontario law places responsibility squarely on dog ownership. Even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, an owner may still be held liable if the dog causes injury, regardless of whether they believed reasonable precautions had been taken.
In Toronto and throughout Ontario, dog bite claims typically fall under personal injury law. Victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, scarring, psychological trauma, lost wages, and future care. Municipal bylaws can also play a role, particularly when attacks occur in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, apartment buildings, or common areas where dog owners are expected to exercise reasonable precautions to control their animals.
Why Dog Bites Happen
Dog bites can occur for many reasons, and they are not limited to so-called “dangerous breeds” like pit bulls, bull terriers, American pit bull terriers and other aggressive breeds. In most cases, dog attacks result from preventable situations related to a dog’s behaviour, such as poor supervision, inadequate training, fear responses, or territorial instincts. Even normally calm dogs can react unpredictably when they feel threatened, overstimulated, or startled.
Common causes of dog bites include startled animals, dogs protecting food or property, improper restraint, or owners failing to maintain control in public spaces. Incidents may also occur when a dog jumps on a person, and the interaction escalates into a bite, particularly when the dog is excited or anxious. Children are especially vulnerable, as they may not recognize warning signs or may approach dogs at eye level, increasing the risk of severe injuries. Understanding how a dog’s behaviour contributed to an attack is often an important factor when determining liability and compensation under Ontario law.
Consequences of a Dog Bite
The consequences of a dog bite often extend far beyond the initial injury, particularly when a bite occurred unexpectedly and the victim sustained severe injuries. Victims may suffer puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, broken bones, or permanent scarring, all of which require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. In more serious cases, reconstructive surgery or long-term treatment may be necessary, especially when injuries are severe or not properly treated at the outset.
Equally significant are the psychological effects of a dog attack. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and a lasting fear of animals are common, especially among children who may have sustained severe injuries. These outcomes can disrupt work, school, and daily life, underscoring the need to ensure responsible pet ownership and proper control of dogs in both public and private spaces. Ontario law recognizes both physical and emotional damages when assessing dog bite compensation, acknowledging the full impact these incidents can have on a victim’s life.
Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act
Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog had no history of aggression and the owner was not negligent.
Under DOLA, courts consider factors such as the severity of the injury, whether the dog was restrained, and whether the victim contributed to the incident. Importantly, multiple people can be considered “owners” under the law, including landlords or individuals who regularly care for the dog. This legislation is a powerful tool for dog bite victims seeking compensation in Toronto and across Ontario.
What to Do Immediately After You Get Bitten By a Dog
If you are attacked by a dog or involved in a dog bite incident involving a domestic animal, your first priority should always be your health and safety. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent health complications such as rabies and sepsis. Even minor bites should be treated to prevent complications such as infections. Dog bite wounds can become infected quickly, and prompt treatment helps reduce the risk of complications while creating an important medical record of the bite incident.
Once you are safe, begin documenting what happened as thoroughly as possible. Take clear photos of your injuries at different stages of healing and record the location and circumstances of the attack. Get the address, name, and contact information of the dog owner after a bite. Make note of details about the dog, including the dog’s breed, size, and any known dog’s history of aggressive behaviour. If there were witnesses, gather their names and contact information, as their statements may later support the injured party’s claim.
It is also important to report the incident to local animal control or Toronto Public Health, especially if the bite occurred in a public space. As the injured party, avoid discussing fault, accepting blame, or providing recorded statements to the dog owner or their insurance company before seeking legal advice. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer early can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure you take the right steps after a dog bite.
Legal Implications of a Dog Bite
Dog bite claims in Ontario often involve homeowners’ or tenant insurance policies associated with the dog owner. In some situations, other parties may also share responsibility, including landlords, property managers, or individuals who regularly care for the dog. While insurers may initially appear cooperative, their goal is typically to reduce payouts. Early statements, inconsistent medical treatment, or incomplete documentation of physical injuries can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.
Legal action following a dog attack commonly proceeds under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, which places responsibility on dog owners regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten someone. A dog’s history of aggression may be reviewed, but victims are not required to prove that the dog was known to be dangerous. Instead, courts often focus on the dog’s actions at the time of the incident, including whether the dog was restrained, supervised, or acting aggressively.
Insurance companies may closely examine allegations involving aggressive dogs, prior complaints, and the circumstances surrounding the dog’s actions during the attack. They also assess the severity and long-term impact of physical injuries, such as scarring, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. Working with a personal injury lawyer helps ensure critical evidence is preserved, medical records accurately reflect the injuries suffered, and Ontario’s strict limitation periods are met—protecting your right to pursue fair compensation after a dog bite.
Key Factors Influencing Dog Bite Cases
Several factors can influence the value and outcome of a dog bite claim, including the severity of the injury, permanence of scarring, age of the victim, and psychological impact. Courts also consider whether the dog was leashed (as keeping dogs on a leash in public spaces can minimize the risk of dog bites), the location of the attack, and whether the victim provoked the animal.
Children, delivery workers, and pedestrians are often treated differently due to vulnerability and lack of control over the situation. Each case is highly fact-specific, which is why legal guidance matters.
Seek Legal Help from Our Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. The personal injury dog bite lawyers at Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers understand Ontario’s dog bite laws and how to pursue full and fair compensation.
With decades of experience representing injured Ontarians, our team can assess your case, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights, so you can focus on healing. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help after a dog attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You’re Bitten While in a Friend’s Someone House?
If you are injured by dog bites or attacks while visiting a friend’s home, Ontario law may still allow you to pursue compensation, even though the incident occurred on the owner’s property. Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, responsibility generally rests with the dog owner, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past or whether you were invited into the home.
Dog owners are expected to exercise responsible control over their pets, including ensuring proper training and supervision, especially when guests are present. If a dog bites a visitor due to lack of restraint, inadequate supervision, or behavioural issues, the owner may be held legally liable. In many cases, compensation is paid through the homeowner’s insurance policy rather than directly by the friend, which can make pursuing a claim less personal than people expect.
If A Dog Bites Someone, Will It Be Put Down?
In Ontario, a dog is not automatically put down after a dog bite or attack. Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with authorities considering factors such as the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and whether the dog posed an ongoing risk to public safety. There is no blanket rule that applies to certain breeds, as decisions are based on behaviour rather than breed alone.
Officials may review the dog’s past, including any prior complaints, warning signs of aggression, or previous bite incidents. Depending on the findings, outcomes can range from warnings and control orders to muzzling requirements or, in rare and serious cases, euthanasia. The primary focus is always on public safety while balancing the circumstances of the individual dog and the incident.
If A Dog Bites Another Dog, Who is Liable?
When one dog bites another dog, liability in Ontario depends on how and where the incident happened and who had control of the animals at the time. In many dog bite cases involving pets, the owner of the aggressive dog may be held responsible for the resulting dog bite injury, including veterinary costs and related expenses. Even though the injured victims are animals rather than people, owners can still pursue compensation through civil claims or insurance coverage.
Courts and insurers will often look at whether the incident happened in a public space, on private property, or in a shared area such as a condo or park. They may also consider how the dogs were restrained and whether similar incidents happened in the past. If multiple incidents happened involving the same dog, this history can strengthen a claim and influence how liability is assessed under Ontario law.
What Kinds of Damages Can a Victim Claim in a Dog Bite Case?
In Ontario dog bite cases, victims may be entitled to claim a wide range of damages for bite wounds and other injuries caused by a dog attack. These damages often include the cost of immediate and ongoing medical care, such as emergency treatment, hospital visits, medication, rehabilitation, and any future care required for permanent injuries or scarring. Compensation may also be available for lost income if the injuries caused time away from work.
Beyond financial losses, the legal system in Ontario also recognizes non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from a dog bite. In many cases, compensation is paid through the dog owner’s homeowners’ or tenant insurance liability coverage, rather than directly by the owner. The specific damages available depend on the severity of the injuries, how the incident occurred, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
