Dog Bite Injuries and Owner Liability in Ontario

February 27, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Dog Bite Injuries and Owner Liability in Ontario

Dog bite injuries can be sudden, traumatic, and life-altering. In Ontario, victims of dog attacks may suffer not only physical injuries, such as puncture wounds, fractures, infections, and permanent scarring, but also emotional and psychological harm, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Understanding dog bite injury law in Ontario and owner liability is essential for anyone who has been bitten or attacked by a dog.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, our Ontario personal injury lawyers regularly assist individuals who have been injured through no fault of their own. Dog bite cases raise unique legal issues, and Ontario law provides specific protections for victims.

Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA)

Dog bite and dog attack claims in Ontario are primarily governed by the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). Under this legislation, a dog owner is generally strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. This means that, in most cases, the injured person does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.

If a dog bites or attacks someone, the owner can be held legally responsible for damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological injuries
• Future care costs

This strict liability framework is designed to protect the public and ensure that dog bite victims in Ontario are not unfairly burdened with proving fault.

Who Is Considered a “Dog Owner” in Ontario?

Under Ontario law, a “dog owner” is not limited to the person whose name appears on veterinary records. A dog owner may include:

• The legal owner of the dog
• A person who harbours the dog
• Someone who has care, custody, or control of the dog at the time of the incident

This broader definition is important in dog bite injury claims, particularly where the dog was being walked, boarded, or temporarily cared for by someone else.

Defences and Contributory Negligence

While owner liability is strict, Ontario courts may consider contributory negligence in some dog bite cases. For example, if the injured person provoked the dog or ignored clear warnings, a court may reduce the amount of compensation awarded.

However, children are treated differently under the law. Courts are far less likely to find contributory negligence where a child has been injured by a dog, recognizing that children may not understand warning signs or risks.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, including:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Broken bones
• Infections, including rabies in rare cases
• Psychological trauma

As discussed in other personal injury resources on our website, injuries involving scarring or psychological harm can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and may warrant substantial compensation.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Ontario

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking prompt action can protect both your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical attention.
2. Document the injuries with photographs.
3. Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information.
4. Report the incident to local animal control or public health authorities.
5. Speak with an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer.

Early legal advice can be critical, particularly where liability is disputed or injuries worsen over time.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite injury claims may involve homeowners’ insurance, tenant insurance, or other liability coverage. An Ontario personal injury lawyer can assess all available sources of compensation and ensure that the full extent of your damages is properly valued.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we take a client-focused approach, similar to how we handle other serious injury claims such as motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, and long-term disability disputes. Our goal is to secure fair compensation while allowing our clients to focus on recovery.

Time Limits for Dog Bite Claims

In Ontario, most personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, are subject to a two-year limitation period. Failing to start a claim within this time frame may result in losing the right to compensation. There are limited exceptions, particularly involving minors, but deadlines should never be ignored.

Speak With Personal Injury Lawyer About the Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Understanding your rights under Ontario law is the first step toward recovery.

If you or a family member has been injured in a dog attack, Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law can help you navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence. Our experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and pursuing the compensation they deserve.

To learn more, explore our other personal injury resources or contact our office for a confidential consultation.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.