What to Do If You or Your Pet Is Attacked by Another Dog in Ontario

May 06, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Dog attacks can be sudden, frightening, and overwhelming. Whether you or your pet has been injured, knowing what to do in the moments and days that follow is critical. In Ontario, the law provides strong protections for victims of dog attacks, and taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.

Drawing on Ontario law and guidance from Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, this article outlines what to do if you or your pet is attacked by someone else’s dog.

Step 1: Get to Safety Immediately

Your first priority is to remove yourself and your pet from danger. If possible, create distance between you and the attacking dog without escalating the situation.

Avoid trying to physically intervene unless absolutely necessary, as this can increase the risk of injury. Once safe, assess the severity of any injuries.

Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical or Veterinary Care if Skin Is Broken

If the attack results in broken skin from a bite or a scratch, you should seek care right away. Do not wait.

For People

Go immediately to a doctor, a walk-in clinic, or an emergency room. Dog bites that break the skin carry a high risk of infection and may require:

• Thorough cleaning and wound care
• Stitches
• Antibiotics
• Tetanus or rabies assessment

Even small puncture wounds or scratches can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

For Pets

If your pet’s skin has been broken, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Bite wounds can cause hidden internal injuries and infections that worsen quickly without treatment.

Prompt medical or veterinary attention not only protects health but also creates essential documentation for any legal claim.

Step 3: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If it is safe to do so, gather information about the dog and its owner, including:

• Name and contact information of the owner
• Description of the dog
• Vaccination status, especially rabies

If the owner is uncooperative or leaves the scene, try to note any identifying details and speak with witnesses.

Step 4: Report the Bite to the Health Unit and Local Authorities

In Ontario, dog bites must be reported to your local public health unit as well as animal control or municipal bylaw services. If you attend a doctor's office or the hospital or walk-in they advise the health unit of the injury.

When a bite that breaks the skin is reported, the Health Unit will investigate. This typically includes:

• Confirming the identity of the dog and owner
• Verifying whether the dog’s vaccinations, especially rabies, are up to date
• Potentially ordering a quarantine or observation period for the dog

This process is critical for protecting public health and determining whether there is any risk of disease transmission.

Reporting the incident also helps:

• Create an official record
• Protect others from future attacks
• Support any legal or insurance claim

Step 5: Document Everything

Proper documentation can make a significant difference in any legal or insurance claim.

Be sure to:

• Take photos of injuries immediately and during healing
• Photograph the location of the attack
• Keep copies of medical or veterinary records
• Save receipts for all related expenses
• Write down your recollection of the incident while it is fresh

If there were witnesses, try to collect their contact information as well.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in Ontario

Under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, dog owners in Ontario are subject to strict liability. This means the owner is responsible for damages caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

If You Were Injured

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological impacts such as anxiety or trauma

If Your Pet Was Injured or Killed

You may be able to recover:

• Veterinary expenses
• The value of your pet
• Other related financial losses

These cases can become complex, especially when injuries are serious or liability is disputed.

Step 6: Avoid Direct Conflict with the Dog Owner

It is natural to feel upset or angry after an attack, but try to avoid confrontation with the dog owner.

Do not agree to informal settlements or accept payment on the spot without understanding the full extent of your injuries or losses. What seems minor at first can develop into a more serious issue over time.

Step 7: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Speaking with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you understand your options and ensure your rights are protected.

We can:

• Assess the strength of your claim
• Help gather evidence
• Communicate with insurance companies
• Pursue compensation on your behalf

Many firms, including Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless your case is successful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After a dog attack, some common missteps can weaken your claim:

• Delaying medical or veterinary treatment
• Failing to report the incident to the Health Unit
• Not documenting injuries or expenses
• Speaking to insurers without legal advice
• Assuming the situation is too minor to pursue

Taking prompt and informed action can make a significant difference.

Final Thoughts

Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience, whether you are the victim or your pet is harmed. Fortunately, Ontario law provides clear protections and pathways for compensation.

By prioritizing immediate care when skin is broken, reporting the bite to the Health Unit for investigation, documenting the incident, and understanding your legal rights, you can take control of a difficult situation.

If you are unsure about your next steps, consulting a qualified legal professional such as Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law can provide clarity and peace of mind during a challenging time.

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.