Dog Bites and Dog Attacks
Dog Bites in Canada: An Explanation of the Law and Your Rights
Dog attacks can be devastating—both physically and psychologically. Not everyone attacked, unfortunately, survives. In Canada, as with national statistics not being reported as stringently as in the U.S. dog bites are a significant problem. For example, a 2021 Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program reported over 1,500 hospitalizations from dog bites annually, children under the age of 10 being the most common victims.
Mail carriers are victims too. Canada Post was responsible for several hundred dog attacks on mail carriers annually, some of which were seriously injurious.
You may be eligible for compensation if your loved one perished due to a fatal attack by a dog, or you were seriously injured as well—especially if the owner of the dog did not attempt to intervene to halt the attack.

Canadian Dog Bite Laws: What You Must Know
The Canadian dog bite laws differ in provinces but share a common intention of making owners liable for pet-related injuries. A victim has the option, in most cases, to sue through either the framework of strict liability or that of negligence.
Ontario – Strict Liability Under the Dog Owners' Liability Act
Under Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA), the owner will be responsible if the animal bites or bites someone—no matter what the history of the dog, or whether or not the owner was aware of a problem with aggression. It need not be proven that the owner was negligent.
Compensation may be reduced if the attacker goaded the animal, was trespassing on someone else's land, or otherwise was a contributor to the situation (contributory negligence).
Other Provinces – Claims Based on Negligence
In other provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, where there are no dog bite statutes, cases tend to be tried according to the common law of negligence. In order to prevail on a claim, the victim must prove that:
- The owner of the dog had a duty of care
- This duty was breached
- The breach caused the injury directly
- Quantifiable damages were caused
Typical cases are not putting the dog on a leash in a public place or failing to comply with municipal regulations regarding dangerous animals.
Quebec – No-Fault Liability Under the Civil Code
In Quebec, the Civil Code operates with a presumed system of liability. As stated under Article 1466, damage resulting from an animal is attributable to its owner whether it was attended to by a third person or whether it was out running at large. No fault has to be proved but only that the dog caused the harm.
Terrible Outcomes of Canine Assault
Bite wounds inflicted by a dog are not just ordinary injuries. At its worst, it leads to:
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds
- Illness (for instance, rabies, MRSA, or capnocytophaga)
- Fractures or crushing injuries
- Long-term nerve damage or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma like PTSD, especially in children
- In rare but tragic cases, death
Children, elderly people, and mail carriers are more likely to experience serious or even fatal outcomes.
Suing for a Dog Bite in Canada
To substantiate a good personal injury or wrongful death case, it’s essential to prove:
- You were legally on the property (not trespassing) when the attack occurred
- The injury was caused by the dog’s actions
- You had control of the dog at the time
- You sustained measurable damages (medical expenses, lost income, etc.)
What Can You Get Paid for?
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite or attack in Canada, you may be entitled to:
Medical Expenses
This includes hospital visits, surgeries, rehab, medication, and future care needs.
Lost Income
If the injury prevented you from working, you may recover for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Courts will award damages for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death
If the assault caused a death, surviving family members can recover for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and lost wages.
Damage to Property
If your glasses, clothes, or other personal items were damaged, you can include those costs.
Most Important Factors That Impact Your Case
A few factors determine the amount of money you could get:
- Severity of injury: Severe injuries will usually yield more settlements
- Age of the victim: Children and elderly people tend to receive greater sympathy in court
- Dog’s history: Past attacks support your claim
- Municipal bylaws: Offenses, like leash law violations, support your claim of negligence
- Victim behavior: Tempting the dog or trespassing can reduce or nullify your claim
Why You Should Have a Personal Injury Lawyer
Without an lawyer, getting a dog bite claim can be overwhelming—particularly when insurance companies are involved. Here’s what an attorney can do for you:
- Understand provincial law and neighborhood by-laws
- Collect critical evidence and medical records
- Negotiate with insurers who may undervalue your claim
- Represent you in court, if necessary
We as personal injury lawyer work on a contingency fee basis—no out-of-pocket expenses until you win.
Dog bites have the ability to alter your life in the blink of an eye. Whether you've incurred painful injuries or are mourning the loss of a loved one, Canadian law lets you seek justice. Make a consultation appointment with a local injury lawyer to discover your options and secure your future.