Dog Laws

Dog ownership comes with legal responsibilities that vary significantly from state to state. Understanding these laws is essential for pet owners, landlords, businesses, and anyone who may encounter dogs in their daily life.

Golden retriever representing responsible dog ownership

What This Section Covers

Our comprehensive dog law guides cover the legal framework for dog ownership across all 50 US states, including:

  • Dog Bite Liability: Who is responsible when a dog injures someone
  • Owner Responsibilities: Leash laws, containment requirements, and licensing
  • Dangerous Dog Classifications: How states define and handle aggressive dogs
  • Victim Rights: What compensation bite victims may be entitled to
  • Legal Defenses: Circumstances that may reduce or eliminate owner liability

Browse Dog Laws by Topic

🐕 Dog Bite Laws by State

Our main resource covering dog bite liability, owner responsibilities, and victim rights for all 50 states. Includes detailed breakdowns of strict liability vs. one-bite rule states.

View Dog Bite Laws Summary →

Beware of Dog warning sign

Understanding Dog Bite Liability

When it comes to dog bite laws, states generally fall into one of three categories:

Liability Type What It Means Number of States
Strict Liability Owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous ~30 states
One-Bite Rule Owner is only liable if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous ~19 states
Mixed Strict liability for medical costs, one-bite rule for other damages 2 states (NY, PA)

Quick Facts About Dog Bite Laws

  • 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year
  • $1 billion+ paid annually by insurance companies for dog bite claims
  • Most common victims: Children ages 5-9
  • Statute of limitations: Typically 2-3 years to file a claim
Dog being walked on leash responsibly

Select Your State

Click on any state below to view detailed dog bite laws, owner responsibilities, and victim rights:

Last updated: February 2026