At Rathbun Insurance, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most—and for nearly half of all U.S. households, that includes beloved canine companions. But did you know that dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost U.S. insurers $1.6 billion in 2024 alone?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm, there were 22,658 dog-related injury claims in 2024—an increase of nearly 19% from the previous year, and a staggering 48% jump over the past decade. Even more striking? The average cost per claim has skyrocketed to $69,272, up 18% from 2023 and 86% higher than 10 years ago.
Why Are Dog Claims So Expensive?
Dog bite cases are difficult to defend, especially in states with strict liability laws—where owners can be held financially responsible even if they weren’t directly at fault. Add in increased public awareness around trauma, pain, and long-term disfigurement caused by dog attacks, and it’s easy to understand why jury verdicts have risen.
In one recent case, a Georgia jury awarded $4.2 million to a woman injured by a 130-pound mastiff—a verdict that reflects not only the severity of the injuries, but also the courts’ growing focus on pet owner responsibility.
What Can Dog Owners Do?
With 46% of U.S. households owning dogs, being a responsible pet owner is more important than ever—not just for your family’s safety, but for your financial well-being. Here are expert-backed steps to protect your home, your pets, and others:
Never leave children unsupervised with dogs—more than 50% of dog-related injuries involve children.
Schedule regular veterinary checkups to monitor health and behavior.
Use positive training techniques and reinforce good behavior.
Always walk your dog on a leash, even in familiar areas.
Be honest about aggression history and breed when applying for homeowners insurance.
Consider a standalone dog liability policy, especially if you own a high-risk breed or have had prior incidents.
What This Means for Homeowners Insurance
As your trusted insurance advisors, we recommend discussing any pets you have during your policy review. Some carriers have breed-specific limitations or exclusions, and in certain states, laws may prevent insurers from denying coverage solely based on breed.
If you have questions about your current homeowners policy or want to learn more about standalone dog liability coverage, the Rathbun Insurance team is here to help. Responsible pet ownership goes beyond treats and walks—it also includes protecting your family from financial risk.
Because Being There Matters Most—For Every Member of the Family. 🐾
