There’s never a good situation when it comes to a dog bite in California. And while they can happen anywhere you interact with a dog, the chances go up when you’re somewhere with a lot of dogs. If you’re a dog walker and you’re bitten, you probably have questions about liability. Our team at Maison Law can answer these questions. Set up a free consultation today.
Who’s Liable For a Dog Bite During a Walk?
You’ll see dog walkers throughout California. Maybe you do this yourself to make extra money. But one way or the other, it usually means walking multiple dogs at once. That makes it pretty easy to see how a bite could happen, and if it’s a bit more serious, you’re probably facing injuries you need to deal with.
To do that, you can file an injury claim, but that raises another important question: who’s legally responsible? In California, the law makes this pretty straightforward:
- Dog bites in California fall under “strict liability”, which means that the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, even if they’ve never shown aggression or bit someone before.
So basically, when you’re bitten by a dog while walking one, liability falls on the individual dog’s owner. However, even with strict liability, the process isn’t automatic. It requires filing a claim.
How Can a Dog Walker Get Financial Support After a Bite in California?
If you’re walking someone else’s dog and get bitten—whether it happens at a dog park, on a neighborhood sidewalk, or in a client’s yard—California law is generally on your side.
You don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous—you just need to show the bite happened while you were lawfully doing your job. To do that, make sure to save any schedules or messages, along with pictures/videos and anything else.
But with liability cleared up, you can move forward with an injury claim. Here’s how it works generally:
- An insurance claim. Most claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. These policies often cover dog bite injuries, including situations where someone like a walker, sitter, or trainer is caring for the dog.
- A personal injury lawsuit. If insurance doesn’t fully cover what you’ve been dealing with—or the claim is denied—you may have the option to file an injury claim directly against the owner.
A bite can affect more than just your immediate health—it can disrupt your work, routine, and sense of safety around animals. A claim is meant to reflect that full picture, including:
- Medical care (both current treatment and any follow-up you may need)
- Lost income if you had to cancel walks or take time off
- Reduced ability to keep working in the same way
- Pain and discomfort from the injury itself
- Emotional stress, especially if the bite affects your confidence around dogs
- Scarring or lasting physical changes
- Damage to personal items (like torn clothing or equipment)
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the bite to file an injury claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but evidence—like photos, witness accounts, or even communication with the dog’s owner—can fade pretty quickly. Getting a handle on things early makes a real difference.
Maison Law Helps Dog Walkers That Are Bitten in California
These situations can feel awkward, especially if the dog belongs to a regular client or someone you know. But stepping back, this isn’t about making things personal—it’s about making sure you’re not the one left carrying the cost of an injury that happened while you were working. Here’s what our California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law can do:
- Break down your rights in a way that actually makes sense
- Help gather the important evidence—reports, footage, witness names, and what really happened
- Sort out who’s responsible, whether that’s the dog’s owner or even the city in some cases
- Deal with the insurance back-and-forth so you’re not stuck on those calls
- Step in and take things to court if the offer on the table just isn’t fair
If you were bitten while walking a dog in California, it may help to talk through what happened and see what your options actually look like. Reach out today to set up a free consultation with our team.
