A dog bite incident can happen in an instant — a moment of playfulness, fear, or surprise can lead to a serious injury and lasting consequences. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or visitor, knowing who’s responsible after a dog bite on private property is essential for protecting your rights and safety.
At Grover Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers have helped numerous victims of dog bite injuries across Calgary and Alberta understand their legal options, file dog bite claims, and recover fair compensation for their losses.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Alberta
In Alberta, dog owners are responsible for their pets’ behavior — regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. Under common law negligence and local bylaws, owners must take reasonable precautions to prevent their dogs from injuring others.
If a dog bite incident occurs, the dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries caused, even if the animal had no prior history of aggression. This concept, known as strict liability, means victims don’t always need to prove the owner was negligent — only that the dog caused harm.
Additionally, certain cities and counties may have dangerous dog bylaws, which impose stricter obligations on owners whose pets have previously bitten or attacked someone.
When Dog Owners Are Liable
A dog owner may be found liable for a dog bite injury if they failed to act with reasonable care, such as:
- Allowing their dog to roam without a leash
- Ignoring “Beware of Dog” warnings for visitors or delivery personnel
- Failing to properly restrain the dog in a fenced area
- Knowing about prior aggressive behavior and doing nothing to prevent another incident
In some situations, even property owners who are not the dog’s actual owner — such as landlords or caretakers — may share liability if they knew of the risk and did not take appropriate steps to protect others.
When a Dog Owner Might Not Be Liable
While many cases favor the victim, some defenses may apply. For example, a dog owner may not be held fully responsible if the injured person:
- Provoked the dog or intentionally caused it distress
- Trespassed on private property where the dog was kept
- Ignored clear warnings about an aggressive pet
However, even in these cases, Alberta’s comparative negligence laws allow for partial compensation based on shared fault. That means if a court finds you 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Dog Bite Incidents on Private Property
When a dog attack happens on private property, the question of ownership and control becomes critical. For example:
- A homeowner may be liable if their dog bites a visitor, delivery driver, or contractor.
- A tenant may be responsible for their pet’s behavior, even if the landlord owns the property.
- A landlord may share liability if they allowed a dangerous dog to stay on the property despite previous complaints.
These distinctions are important when determining who to sue and how to build a successful dog bite claim.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from mild punctures to severe trauma requiring surgery. Common examples include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Infections from bacteria in the dog’s saliva
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Broken bones or crush injuries from powerful jaws
- Emotional distress and PTSD, especially in children
Even minor injuries, if left untreated, can lead to infections like cellulitis or rabies. Victims should always seek immediate medical attention and document the injury through medical records and photographs.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
To recover compensation, your lawyer must establish that:
- The dog caused your injuries.
- The dog’s owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.
- The incident caused measurable harm, such as medical bills or lost income.
Evidence can include:
- Witness statements about the attack
- Veterinary or bylaw records showing prior aggression
- Photos and medical documentation of injuries
- Police or bylaw reports filed after the incident
Grover Law Firm often works with investigators to gather this evidence quickly — a crucial step since many insurance companies will try to downplay or deny dog bite claims.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Claim?
In many cases, homeowner’s insurance or tenant insurance policies cover dog bite injuries that happen on private property. These policies can compensate victims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care or counseling
If the dog owner’s insurance company refuses to cooperate, an experienced dog bite lawyer can help pursue legal action to ensure victims receive fair compensation.
What If the Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the dog owner lacks insurance, victims may still seek damages through a civil lawsuit. In this case, compensation may come directly from the owner’s personal assets.
In rare cases where the owner can’t be identified — for instance, in a dog park attack — victims may have alternative recovery options through public liability or special compensation programs.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog, take the following steps immediately:
- Get medical attention. Clean and treat the wound to avoid infection.
- Identify the dog and owner. Obtain names, contact information, and vaccination records if possible.
- Document everything. Take pictures of the bite, the dog, and the surrounding area.
- Report the bite. Contact local bylaw services or animal control.
- Save all medical and expense records.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
The sooner you involve legal representation, the better your chances of proving liability and securing full compensation.
How Grover Law Firm Can Help
At Grover Law Firm, we understand how traumatic a dog bite incident can be — physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team works tirelessly to ensure victims are treated fairly by insurers and negligent owners.
We provide:
- A free consultation to review your case
- Help identifying liable parties and insurance coverage
- Guidance through the claims process
- Strong negotiation against insurance companies
- Court representation when necessary
Our lawyers focus on results — not excuses. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Protecting Yourself as a Dog Owner
If you’re a dog owner, preventing attacks is part of your legal and moral responsibility. To reduce your risk of liability:
- Keep your dog leashed in public areas.
- Use secure fencing on your property.
- Avoid leaving your pet unsupervised around guests or children.
- Address aggressive behavior early with professional training.
- Carry adequate homeowner’s insurance that includes dog liability coverage.
Taking reasonable precautions protects you, your pet, and others.
Why It Matters
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical treatment. Whether you’re a victim or a property owner, understanding your rights and responsibilities under Alberta law is crucial.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Grover Law Firm Today
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, call Grover Law Firm at (403) 253-1029 today for a free consultation. Our legal team has the experience, compassion, and determination to help you recover the compensation you deserve.