Most people think of dogs as loyal and friendly creatures, but even the most well-behaved dogs can bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, nearly one million require medical attention. If you are a dog walker or dog sitter, it is important to be aware of the dangers of dog bites. A dog bite can cause serious injuries, and in some cases, can even be fatal. That’s why it is crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your clients from dog bites whenever you are working with dogs.
Looking to avoid dog bites? Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and stay safe around dogs.
First, it is important to be aware of a dog’s body language. Dogs will often give off certain signals when they feel uncomfortable or threatened. By being aware of these signals, you can avoid triggering a bite. Some common signs that a dog may be about to bite include:
Children are often the most vulnerable to dog bites, as they may not know how to properly interact with dogs or may not be able to read a dog’s body language. As a dog walker or sitter, it is important to be especially vigilant in keeping children safe around dogs. Some tips for keeping children safe around dogs include:
If you are ever bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention. Dog bites can often lead to infection, so it is important to get them cleaned and treated as soon as possible. You should also report the bite to the police and your local animal control agency.
This is a question that often comes up for dog walkers, and the answer is not always clear. Generally, if a dog bite occurs while the dog is under the care of the walker, the walker may be liable. This is because they are considered to be in a position of responsibility for the dog. However, there are some circumstances in which the walker may not be liable, such as if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. Maryland operates under the strict liability when it comes to dog bites. This law states that the owner of a dog is liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether or not the owner was negligent. This means that if a dog in your care bites someone, you could be held financially responsible for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, in states like Virginia, there is what’s called a one bite rule. One bite rule says that an owner or the walker responsible for walking the dog might not be held liable if the dog previously had not been aggressive.
Dog walking is rewarding but can have it’s risks. If you are working with dog walking services like Rover, they most often will not be held liable in anyway for any dog bites. They may not cover you for workers’ compensation either if you get hurt while dog walking or sitting. Their services will cover costs for any injuries to the dog but does not provide any liability insurance for the dog walker or dog sitter.
There are so many factors and maybe even more questions you have about this topic, so the best action you can take is to talk to a dog bite attorney.
If you are a dog walker, it is important to be aware of your potential liability in case of a dog bite. You may want to consider carrying your own liability insurance to protect yourself. Given the rise of various pet sitting and dog walking services such as Wag or Rover it is important to make sure you know you are covered with liability insurance. If a dog under your care does bite someone, it is important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the victim receives medical treatment and to avoid any further incidents.
If you were injured from a dog bite, talk to an attorney about how you can recover the most compensation and the fastest.
The best way to avoid a dog bite is to be proactive and take precautions. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself safe when working with dogs. Whether you are a professional dog walker or a pet sitter, it is important to always put the safety of yourself and others first. With proper awareness and precautions, you can help keep yourself, your clients, and their pets safe from dangerous dog bites.