Dog Bite Liability and Pet Sitters

Even the most dedicated dog owner can’t be with their pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every once in a while, people may need the help of a pet sitter to take care of their dog during a vacation or to walk their dog while they’re at work during the day.

Regardless if a dog is in the care of their owner or a pet sitter, there’s always a possibility that the dog could bite someone. In most cases, if a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner is legally liable for any injuries resulting from the bite. But if a dog bites someone while they are in the care of someone like a pet sitter or a dog walker, how does that affect liability?

If you’ve been injured by a dog who was in the care of a pet sitter at the time of the attack, one of the best things you can do is contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible because legal liability can get complicated. Every state has their own laws when it comes to dog bites and there may be additional local ordinances that also apply to dog bite cases. There are also circumstances when someone aside from the dog’s owner may be responsible for the injuries a dog causes. Depending on the exact circumstances of your case and the laws in the area where the bite occurred, this may include other types of people who care for dogs, like pet sitters, kennel owners, vet technicians, and people who provide food and shelter to a stray dog. A dog bite lawyer will best be able to help determine liability for your injuries.

On the other hand, what happens if a pet sitter is injured after being bitten by a dog they’re caring for? This is another situation when it’s best to get in touch with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. In many cases, people who are hired to work with animals, such as veterinarians, dog groomers, and pet sitters, are not able to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner if they are bitten in the course of their jobs. The reason for this is because it’s believed that the risk of dog bites is an occupational hazard that people accept by choosing to work with dogs professionally. However, there may be some exceptions, such as if the dog’s owner knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and failed to disclose that fact when the sitter agreed to take care of the dog.

Whether you’ve been bitten by a dog in the care of a pet sitter or you’re a pet sitter who has been bitten by a dog in your care, a dog bite lawyer will be able to help you understand your legal options. At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to speak to a lawyer experienced in handling Michigan dog bite cases. Contact us today for help with your case.