Understanding Dog Owner Liability in San Diego

By Eugene Bruno on December 15, 2025

Dogs bites cause serious injuries, and they leave long-lasting physical and emotional scars.  In California, dog owners are legally responsible for their pets’ behavior. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to know your rights so you can seek the compensation you need to care for the victim.

The experienced San Diego dog bite lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates help injured victims pursue justice after dog attacks. With over 85 years of combined experience and a 99.7% success rate, our firm knows how to hold negligent parties accountable under California’s dog bite laws.

Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites in California

California follows the legal doctrine of strict liability in dog bite cases. Under Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes through a bite, regardless of whether the dog has demonstrated aggressive behavior in the past.

In simple terms: If a dog bites someone in a public place or when a dog bites a guest, visitor, or resident on private property, the owner is probably liable.

Dog Owners Are Usually Liable

Here are the basic conditions that must be met for a dog owner to be held strictly liable:

• The person was bitten by a dog
• The bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property
• The dog was not working in a military or police capacity at the time of the bite

Owner Responsibilities in San Diego

Owning a dog in San Diego comes with specific legal obligations. In addition to being responsible for dog bites under state law, local regulations also apply:

• Leash Laws: Dogs must be on a leash when in public unless in a designated off-leash area.
• Registration: All dogs over the age of four months must be licensed.
• Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory.
• Reporting Bites: San Diego County requires dog owners to report bites immediately to Animal Services.

Failure to follow any of the dog safety laws these can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause severe and lasting injuries. Sadly, the victims of these attacks are often children. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’ve represented victims dealing with:

• Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
• Nerve and tendon damage
• Infections and rabies exposure
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD
• Permanent disability in severe cases

Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability

While strict liability generally applies, there are some exceptions and legal defenses dog owners may raise:

1. Trespassing: If the person was unlawfully on the property when bitten, the owner may not be held liable.
2. Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or threatening it, this may limit or eliminate the owner’s responsibility.
3. Police or Military Dogs: If the dog was performing official duties at the time (and the bite occurred under specific conditions), strict liability may not apply.

What If the Injury Wasn’t a Bite?

California’s strict liability law covers bite-related injuries. But if a dog knocks someone over, causes a bicycle crash, or otherwise leads to harm without biting, the case must be pursued under a negligence theory instead.

In negligence-based claims, the victim must prove that the dog owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the injury. This might include letting a dog run loose, ignoring leash laws, or failing to restrain a known aggressive animal.

Our legal team can assess the details of your case and determine which path offers the strongest route to recovery.

Damages Available for Dog Bite Victims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Diego, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including future surgeries or rehabilitation)
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

What to Do After a Dog Bite Happens

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we understand how traumatic these incidents can be. We handle every step of the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Here’s what to do immediately after a dog bite:

1. Seek medical attention right away.
2. Report the bite to San Diego County Animal Services.
3. Get contact info from the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
4. Photograph injuries and the dog bite scene if possible.
5. Speak to an attorney before talking to insurance companies.

How We Can Help

With decades of experience handling these cases in San Diego County, we know how to file successful dog bite claims and lawsuits. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, gather evidence, interviews witnesses, and build strong arguments for full compensation.

Whether you were bitten while jogging, visiting a friend, or walking through a park, we take your case seriously. You shouldn’t have to deal with insurance companies or legal defenses alone. Let us advocate for your recovery.

Eugene Bruno has been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best personal injury lawyers in San Diego, and our law firm has recovered over 100 million dollars for our clients.

We offer:

• A free consultations
• No fees unless we win your case
• A 99.7% success rate
• Personal, hands-on attention to your case

Speak With a Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer in San Diego

Dog bites cause more than just physical pain. If you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or emotional trauma after being attacked by a dog, you don’t have to face it alone. Let the legal team at Eugene Bruno & Associates help you understand your rights and take action.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation today.

We’re here to help you recover, hold negligent parties accountable, and move forward with confidence.