When Your Service Dog Bites
When your service dog bites, it could open a plethora of issues that you did not see coming and must address. A service dog is essential for anyone who needs assistance in their daily lives. They undergo a variety of desensitization methods to eliminate reactivity because a reactive or unpredictable dog is dangerous and not eligible as a service dog. Despite these practices, service dog owners should prioritize investment in canine liability insurance. However, service dogs can bite.
Can Service Dogs Be Aggressive?
The aggression of any kind during service dog training traditionally disqualifies a dog from service. Instead, that dog becomes a pet. However, aggression isn’t always a general personality trait. A dog that feels threatened or provoked could become aggressive. Service dogs can do this even if they have not shown aggression in the past. Despite the ‘service’ designation, service dogs are still dogs and are susceptible to showing aggressive behavior in response to provocation.
Do Service Dogs Bite?
Under normal circumstances, service dogs do not bite. The training service dogs complete is regimented and strict, resulting in dogs that are calm, safe, and under tight control. Service dog handlers’ control over their dogs prevents most instances of potential biting. However, service dogs may bite if threatened or if protecting their handler.
What Happens if a Service Dog Bites?
As a service dog handler, you must be prepared to address the situation if your service dog should bite a person or animal. The best thing you can do when you get a service dog is secure canine liability insurance. It will help provide coverage if you are liable for your dog’s actions. Canine insurance can help pay the liability award, including medical costs and other mandated expenses.
How Do You Reduce Liability Risks?
Here are some ways you can reduce the chance of being held liable for a dog bite injury from your service dog. Always use a service dog vest that clearly states that the dog is a service dog. It highlights that the dog is actively working, and you should not approach them. These patches on the vest make it clear to passers-by not to touch your dog. If they do, and your service dog bites them, you have some defense against liability because of the warnings on the vest. They cannot claim that your dog appeared to be a pet.
What Should You Know About Canine Liability Insurance?
Canine liability insurance is a valuable investment, especially for service dog owners. Your policy cost will depend upon your dog’s breed and history, but service dog certification and training documentation can save you on your premiums. Ask about liability limit options and other coverage choices so that you get the protection that’s best for your dog and your family’s financial situation.
About Dog Bite Quote
At Dean Insurance Agency, we’ve been providing protection to dog owners since 2012, with more than 10,000 policies issued. Our underwriting criteria and years of experience providing this coverage enables us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska & Kentucky. The quote is free and there is NO obligation to purchase!