There are nearly 74.8 million dogs in the United States. There are approximately 800,000 bites each year. Maricopa reported just under 5800 bites in 2009. Nearly 80% of dog attacks are to friends or family of the dog owner. May 16-22 is Dog Bite Prevention week in Maricopa County.

All dog owners need to understand their potential liability should their animal bite, maul or, heaven forbid, kill someone. A single bite could cost you tens of thousands of dollars — a lawsuit, hundreds of thousands — and your insurance coverage might not apply. If the attack is especially serious, you could even go to jail.

* Dog bites make up one-third of all homeowner insurance liability claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and cost insurers $356 million in 2007.

* The average cost of a dog-bite claim was $24,511 in 2007, the institute found.

If you are or want to be a dog owner, here’s what you can do to limit your risk: Research breeds before you buy. Yes, the owners of many breeds blacklisted by insurers will insist their animals are cream puffs, but you should understand that some animals pose greater risks than others.

There is no guarantee that a dog will or will not bite. There are certainly ways to prevent a potential situation.  Make sure that you train your pet, using positive reinforcement. If there are children in the home or potential child visitors make sure they realize that most dogs do not like hugs and kisses. A dog that repeatedly snaps or lunges at people isn’t being “protective”; it’s being aggressive. Don’t make excuses.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies come with liability coverage that tops out at $300,000. You’ll probably want more. A $1 million umbrella insurance policy  and is a good investment if you’re at greater risk for lawsuits — which, as a dog owner, you are.

If you have more questions on your coverage please give us a call.