Dog Bite Liability for Homeowners: What You Need to Know

Dog bite liability for homeowners isn’t something most people think about—until it’s too late. You might trust your dog completely, but when strangers enter your home, even the friendliest pets can become territorial or anxious. And if a service worker gets bitten, you’re not just dealing with an unfortunate accident—you could be legally responsible.

At On The Spot Window Cleaning, we’ve had firsthand experience with dog bites during routine service calls. In one case, a homeowner assured us her small dog was harmless, only for it to bite one of our team members on the ankle, drawing blood. Another client insisted their Labradoodle wouldn’t hurt anyone—until it lunged and bit our technician in the back of the leg. In both cases, we were legally required to report the bite, which led to stressful consequences for the homeowners and their pets.

Dog bite liability for homeowners isn’t just about legal responsibility—it’s about ensuring a safe and stress-free experience for both your pet and service workers.

Golden Retriever puppy lying on a soft bed with a pink plush toy, representing the importance of dog bite liability for homeowners when service workers visit.
Our beloved Sadie - the unofficial On The Spot mascot

A Small Dog, A Big Bite: Understanding Dog Bite Liability for Homeowners

One afternoon, our technician Kevin* arrived at a stunning coastal home, ready to clean its expansive ocean-view windows. The homeowner greeted him warmly and casually mentioned that her small dog, Baxter*, was friendly and wouldn’t cause any trouble.

As Kevin worked his way around the property, Baxter followed closely behind, watching his every move. Kevin didn’t think much of it—he had been around dogs before, and many of our clients’ pets are curious about what we do. But in a split second, as Kevin shifted his footing, Baxter suddenly lunged and bit his ankle, breaking the skin.

Kevin, always professional, remained calm, but the bite was deep enough to require medical attention. Unfortunately, the bite broke the skin, meaning we had to report it as required by law. This is a key part of dog bite liability for homeowners, which many don’t realize until they’re faced with an incident. Because the wound had broken the skin, we were legally required to report it to the county, triggering a mandatory quarantine period for Baxter. The homeowner, initially apologetic, soon became frustrated with the process. Even though we had no choice but to follow the law, she was upset enough that she terminated her service contract—worth several thousand dollars.

For us, it was an unfortunate but clear reminder: even small dogs can bite, and homeowners often underestimate their pets' reactions to service workers in their homes.


“Don’t Worry, He’s Nice” – Until He’s Not

Joe*, another one of our technicians, had a different but equally unsettling experience. He arrived at a home where the owner, a kind and welcoming woman, assured him that her Labradoodle, Max*, was incredibly friendly.

“You don’t need to worry about Max,” she said with a smile. “He’s the sweetest dog in the world. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Joe took her word for it and started working. But as he moved through the house, Max followed him closely—a little too closely. Every time Joe adjusted his position or turned around, Max was right there, watching intently.

Then, it happened. As Joe bent down to clean a lower window, Max suddenly lunged and bit the back of his leg. The pain was sharp, and the bite broke the skin. Joe immediately reported the incident, and just like in Kevin’s case, we had no choice but to notify the county. The homeowner was stunned.

“He’s never done that before,” she said in disbelief.

Unfortunately, first times happen. Even a well-trained, well-socialized dog can become protective, territorial, or anxious when a stranger is in their home for an extended period.


Your Role as a Responsible Homeowner

As a pet owner, you may think, “My dog would never do that.” But the reality is that any dog—regardless of size, breed, or temperament—can bite under the right circumstances. And as a homeowner, you have legal and financial responsibilities when that happens.

Here’s what every homeowner should understand:

1. You Are Legally Required to Report a Dog Bite

In San Luis Obispo County (and most other areas), all dog bites that break the skin must be reported to the local health department. This is a public health measure designed to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. This is a crucial aspect of dog bite liability for homeowners, as failure to report can lead to further legal consequences.

If a bite occurs, your dog may be subject to a quarantine period—even if they’re fully vaccinated.

2. You May Be Held Liable

As a homeowner, you are legally responsible for any harm caused by your pet. If your dog bites a worker on your property, you may be held liable for:

  • Medical bills (including ER visits, wound care, and follow-ups)
  • Lost wages (if the worker is unable to return to work right away)
  • Legal fees (if the incident results in a lawsuit)

In California, strict liability laws mean that even if you believe your dog was provoked or has no history of aggression, you could still be responsible for damages.

3. Keeping Your Dog Secure Protects Everyone

One of the simplest ways to avoid dog bite liability for homeowners is to secure your pet before a scheduled service visit. Even friendly dogs can act unpredictably.

  • Keep dogs in a separate room, a kennel, or a securely fenced area.
  • Inform us ahead of time if you have pets, so we can take proper precautions.
  • Never assume that a dog “won’t bite.”

It’s a simple step that ensures a smooth and stress-free visit for everyone—including your pet.


We’re Here to Provide an Amazing Experience—Safely

At On The Spot Window Cleaning, we’re committed to delivering a high-end, seamless experience for our clients. That includes ensuring safety for our team and protecting your home and pets.

By securing your dog during service appointments, you help us provide the exceptional experience you expect, without unnecessary stress or complications. Taking precautions isn’t just about protecting our team—it’s about helping you avoid the stress, legal issues, and unexpected costs associated with dog bite liability for homeowners.

If you have any questions or special instructions about your upcoming service, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to accommodate.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to serving you soon!

*Names have been changed

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