The financial risk of pet ownership: Here's what can happen if your dog bites someone
You may have added a new member to your family during the pandemic. Did you tell your insurance company about it? Pets are great but they come with financial risk.
There has been a reported surge in dog bites. One U.S. children’s hospital reported a 300 per cent increase, and it could be due to a number of factors a play including more stress in the home. When a dog bites, the consequences are devastating for the victim and can be financially crippling for a dog’s owner. Expensive lawsuits are common after vicious attacks.
Sandra Wong in Burnaby recently got a new puppy. It is a Bernedoodle named Ollie, a cross between a Bernese Mountain dog and a Poodle. She says it is her first dog and she chose it because of its docile nature. However, she is taking him to behavioural classes and receiving training herself to ensure he grows into a well-behaved pup.
“You can tell he’s a bit of an alpha male. You can already sense that in him,” Wong said.
Animals like people can be unpredictable. Sometimes a calm animal can be provoked and bite. Others can attack without provocation.
If you got a pandemic pet, you need to protect yourself.
“Let your insurance representative know that you do have a pet,” explained Rob de Prius, director of consumer and industry relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
“I just literally had to go online and click that I have a puppy now,” said Wong.
Typically, homeowners’ and renters’ insurance will cover you for up to $1 million in liability. The insurer will want to know the breed and size of your dog and other details including, vet care, inoculations, etc.
If you live in a condominium or rent, you’ll need to check your building’s by-laws before you get a pet.
“Review the by-laws because if they don’t allow a pet that could potentially invalidate your insurance coverages,” said de Prius. “Full disclosure is always the best policy.”
You also need to check local city regulations to see if certain breeds are restricted. The bigger the dog, the bigger the bite and if someone is attacked the injuries could be catastrophic and long lasting.
“I hope you never have to use it but if you ever do, you want to make sure that you’re covered fully,” Wong said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.