Animal & Dog Law Lawyers

Animal and Dog Law Lawyers in the United States

Animal and dog law covers a broad range of legal issues involving pets, livestock, service animals, and wildlife. Whether you're dealing with a dog bite claim, a custody dispute over a pet, or a neighbor's dangerous animal, these cases involve a mix of state statutes, local ordinances, and common law principles that vary significantly across jurisdictions.

What Animal and Dog Law Covers

Dog bite liability is the most common issue in this area. Some states follow strict liability rules, meaning the owner is responsible regardless of the dog's history. Others use a "one bite" rule, where the owner must have known the animal was dangerous.

Beyond bites, this practice area includes animal cruelty charges, pet custody disputes in divorce cases, landlord-tenant conflicts over emotional support animals, veterinary malpractice claims, and disputes involving homeowner's insurance coverage for animal-related injuries. Livestock damage claims and exotic animal ownership regulations also fall under this umbrella.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that over 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention.

When to Hire an Animal or Dog Law Lawyer

• You or a family member suffered a dog bite or animal attack that caused medical bills, scarring, or lost income
• Your pet was harmed or killed by another person's animal or by negligent veterinary care
• You're facing criminal charges related to animal cruelty or owning a dangerous breed
• A landlord or housing authority is denying your right to keep a service animal or emotional support animal
• You're going through a divorce and both parties claim ownership of a pet

How Animal and Dog Law Cases Work

Most cases start with gathering evidence — medical records, animal control reports, photos of injuries, and witness statements. Your attorney will identify which state and local laws apply, since animal regulations differ widely by jurisdiction.

Many dog bite and injury claims settle through insurance negotiations without going to trial. If the insurer offers too little or denies the claim, filing a lawsuit is the next step. Criminal cases involving animal cruelty follow standard criminal court procedures, including arraignment, discovery, and trial.

How Compensation Is Calculated in Animal Injury Cases

• Medical expenses — emergency treatment, surgery, reconstructive procedures, and ongoing therapy related to the attack
• Lost wages — income missed during recovery, including reduced future earning capacity for severe injuries
• Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and fear of animals that developed after the incident
• Property damage — if your own pet was injured or killed, compensation may cover veterinary bills and the animal's fair market or intrinsic value
• Scarring and disfigurement — permanent marks from bites often increase the total amount awarded, especially for facial injuries

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if a dog bites me on public property?

Yes. In most jurisdictions, dog owners are liable for bites that occur in public spaces or any location where the victim had a legal right to be. Your ability to recover damages depends on your state's liability standard — strict liability or negligence-based.

What happens to a dog after it bites someone?

Local animal control typically places the dog under a quarantine period, usually 10 days, to monitor for rabies. Depending on the severity of the attack and the dog's history, authorities may classify it as a dangerous animal, impose restrictions on the owner, or in extreme cases order the dog to be euthanized.