Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws and Homeowners’ Insurance Policies

December 26, 2025 | Dog Bites

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws and Homeowners’ Insurance Policies

Dog bites can result in significant injuries, and the financial impact of these incidents can be substantial. Injured people may seek compensation from the dog’s owner for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws have a significant impact on the outcome of these cases, and homeowners’ insurance may play a key role in the amount of compensation available. 

Keep reading below to learn more about how dog bite claims are handled in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws

Under Pennsylvania law, a dog’s owner may be held strictly liable for all the injury-related medical expenses resulting from their dog’s bite. There is no need to prove the owner’s negligence or that the dog has a history of biting or aggression. 

However, victims who wish to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or lost income, must prove that the owner knew (or should have known) of their dog’s vicious propensities and failed to control it. Factors such as provocation, trespassing, or shared fault can also impact liability and the amount of compensation available for these damages.

How Negligence Affects Pennsylvania Dog Bite Claims

To recover non-economic damages, you must prove the following elements as part of your negligence claim:

For example, suppose a dog owner knows that their dog has a history of aggression. When taking their dog for a walk, they decide to let them run off-leash even though the owner sees you walking in the area. If the dog bites you, the dog’s owner will probably be found negligent in their actions, and you could recover both economic and non-economic damages.

How Homeowners’ Insurance Affects Dog Bite Liability

Dog owners may face substantial financial liability if their dog bites someone. Thankfully, most homeowner’s insurance policies protect dog bite liability. Your insurance policy may pay for the victim’s damages, whether they were bitten on or off your property. However, it is essential to carefully review the details of your coverage.

Notably, many homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover liability for bites resulting from certain types of breeds. Your policy might exclude coverage if you own a “dangerous” breed, such as a:

  • Pit bull
  • German Shepherd
  • Rottweiler
  • Doberman pinscher

Some insurance companies or policies exclude coverage for these breeds altogether. Others may choose to cover these breeds, but you could see a significant increase in your premium if you own one of these breeds. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident

If you have been bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is get immediate medical care. Dog bites can result in severe infections, and you might need stitches for the lacerations. After that, try to obtain as much information about the dog’s owner as possible. If you can, take photos of the scene as well as your injuries.

Presenting this type of evidence can be crucial to proving your personal injury claim and getting the compensation you are owed. Finally, get help from an experienced dog bite lawyer. Your lawyer can help you prove your case and get all the compensation to which you are entitled.

Call Marzzacco Niven & Associates to Arrange a Free Consultation With a Harrisburg Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate your personal injury claim on your own. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates today to schedule a free consultation with a Harrisburg dog bite lawyer. Our team can explain your rights and assist you in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

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2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

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937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963