“If my dog is injured by someone else’s dog, will my homeowners insurance cover the vet bills?”

Below, we break down the key takeaways in simple terms so you understand how coverage works and what to expect.

If Your Dog Is Injured: Will Your Homeowners Policy Pay?

In the scenario AskPIA described, a family was walking their dog when a neighbor’s unleashed dog attacked. Their dog survived, but the vet bills totaled more than $10,000.

Naturally, the owners wondered if their own homeowners insurance would cover those costs.

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Homeowners insurance policies treat pets as property, not people. And medical payments coverage (often called “Coverage F”) is designed to pay medical expenses for people injured on your property, not animals.

Even if you could argue the dog is part of the household, homeowners insurance specifically excludes medical payments coverage for anyone (or anything) regularly residing at the insured location. So your own policy will not reimburse you for your own pet’s vet bills.

If the Other Dog Causes the Injury: Their Homeowners Insurance May Cover It

Here’s the important part:

The dog owner whose pet caused the attack may be financially responsible.

If the other owner is found liable for the incident, their homeowners liability coverage could pay for your dog’s vet bills.

Why? Because liability coverage is intended to make the injured party “whole” again. Since a dog is considered property, the policy may pay for the cost to “repair” that property. In this case, the veterinary care that restores your dog to pre-loss condition.

However, there is one limitation to be aware of:

The insurer will not pay more than the cost to replace the dog.

In other words, if the vet bills exceed the value of a comparable dog of the same breed, age, and condition, coverage may be capped at replacement cost.

Important Note: Breed Restrictions & Liability — Not All Dogs Are Covered Equally

Before you assume any dog-related liability or vet-bill protection, know this: some insurers place stricter rules on certain dog breeds. In fact, many standard homeowners policies exclude commonly considered “high-risk” breeds, requiring special or separate coverage if you own them.

What breeds are often restricted or excluded?

Breeds commonly excluded by insurers include, but are not limited to:

• Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, wolf hybrids
• Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers
• Pit Bulls (and many related “bully” types)
• Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios

Some insurers outright refuse to insure homes with these breeds; others may still cover the home but exclude liability for dog-bite or attack incidents.

What are your options if you own a “restricted” breed?

• Ask about specialized canine liability insurance (or a rider/endorsement) to cover attacks, bites, or damage caused by your dog. Many standard home insurance policies won’t cover these if your dog is on a restricted-breed list.
• Consider umbrella liability insurance if you own a high-risk breed; this can add extra liability protection in case of serious incidents — though you’ll need to verify that dogs are covered under the umbrella plan.

What to Keep in Mind

• Even if your dog has never shown aggression or caused problems, insurers may still exclude certain breeds purely based on perceived risk and past bite-claim data.
• If you apply for a policy and your insurer asks if you own a dog, always answer honestly. Failure to disclose pets — especially if they’re restricted breeds — can lead to claim denials or even policy rescission.

What This Means for Long Island Pet Owners

Dog-related claims are more common than many people realize, especially in densely populated neighborhoods across Suffolk and Nassau County. Understanding how coverage works helps you know what to expect in the event of an unexpected incident.

Here are a few practical takeaways:

• Your homeowners policy won’t cover vet bills for injuries to your own pet.
• If another dog injures your pet, their owner may be liable and their homeowners insurance may cover reasonable vet costs.
• Liability coverage varies by carrier, especially for certain breeds.
• Document the incident and gather information immediately (photos, vet reports, witness statements).

Have Questions About Pet-Related Liability or Homeowners Coverage?

The Camille Bunicci Insurance Agency is here to help you understand the details of your homeowners policy—especially the parts most homeowners overlook.

If you would like a comprehensive review of your coverage or want to make sure you are properly protected, contact The Camille Bunicci Insurance Agency today.

We can help ensure you have the right protection in place for your family—as well as your pets.