How dog ownership impacts your home insurance in Ontario 

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Bringing a dog into your home adds love and loyalty, but it also introduces insurance considerations that many Ontario homeowners overlook.   

Most home insurance policies include liability protection, which may cover injuries or property damage caused by your pet. However, insurers often assess risk based on dog breed, history of aggression, and other factors.  

Some breeds may lead to higher premiums or exclusions, and under Ontario law, you're legally responsible for any harm your dog causes. With over 500,000 dog bites reported annually in Canada, it's essential to review your policy and ensure you're properly covered as a pet owner. 

In all cases, you should always disclose your dog to your insurance provider—failure to do so could result in denied claims. 

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the worst.  

How are dogs covered by insurance in Ontario?  

The liability portion of your home insurance will generally cover any injuries caused by your pets.   

In Canada, dogs are considered the owners property, therefore the owner will be held liable for any damages the animal might be responsible for.  

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional distress. If someone is bitten, they may take legal action and seek compensation. 

That’s why it’s important to provide accurate information to your insurance provider on any pets you own and keep them updated if you decide to adopt a new dog – in fact, not doing so could lead to your whole policy getting cancelled.   

Your insurance company will likely ask you for information about your pets’ age, height and weight, breed, history of violence and more. Together, your dog’s characteristics will be an important factor in determining the amount and cost of insurance coverage you need.   

Typically, the standard liability coverage for home insurance begins at $100,000, but it’s recommended that dog owners increase that amount or even consider getting umbrella insurance.   

Read more: How much home insurance do you need? 

There are no bad dogs — only so-called "dangerous breeds" 

With that in mind, all general guidance around pets and home insurance can go out the window if you own a dog that has been labeled ‘dangerous’.  

Each province has their own list of restricted dogs. According to the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act, Ontario restricts the ownership of pit bulls, including American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers.  

If the dog breed you own is illegal, it may invalidate any insurance coverage you have. 

The province of Ontario imposed an outright ban on pit bull ownership in 2005. However, following protests by animal welfare activists, the Province relaxed the ban in 2021.  

Organizations like the Toronto Humane Society continue to rally for a full repeal of the ban, stating that ownership of ‘dangerous’ breeds like pit bulls do not lead to more frequent, nor severe, dog bites.  

However, despite these efforts, most insurance companies are unlikely to accept a banned dog. 

Read more: What is personal liability insurance in home insurance?   

What to do if your dog bites someone 

The first step is to seek medical attention for the victim and make sure everyone else in the situation is safe. Even if the dog bite doesn’t look serious, a medical professional can advise on the best course of action when it comes to treatment.  

Under the Ontario Dog Owners Ability Act, dog owners can be “charged and convicted of criminal negligence” if their dog bites an individual. Dog bite claims tend to be resolved via settlements and rarely make their way into court. 

However, victims typically look for financial compensation to make up for the emotional/physical injuries they have suffered. According to Carranza LLP, dog bite settlements usually start at $10,000 and can go to upwards of $100,000.  

In British Columbia, there is a “one bite rule,” meaning that your dog can only be prosecuted if they have bitten someone before.  

In the absolute worst-case scenario, the court can order your dog to be “destroyed” (or put down) if they are proven to be a danger to individuals. But this is unlikely to happen and there are many courses of action you can take to prevent a catastrophe.  

Read next: How is fault determined in the world of home insurance?   

How to avoid dog bites 

Animals — much like people — can be unpredictable. It’s important to understand their triggers and take appropriate precautions to ensure good behaviour.  

In most cases, dogs bite because they are responding to a provocation. Here’s how to keep your dog and everyone around you safe.  

• Make sure your dog is up to date on all its shots, especially the rabies vaccine.  
• Never leave it unattended around strangers or children.  
• Keep your dog away from stressful situations, like around crowds or fireworks.   
• Consider obedience training (some insurance providers may even lower your insurance premium if your dog has dog training certifications or a positive review from their vet).   
• If you’re in the process of adopting a dog, choose one with a gentle nature and make sure you have a detailed history of its past behaviours from the adoption agency or previous owners.   

While a canine companion may add a few more logistical considerations to your life, they also bring with them boundless energy and joy. To find the best coverage for your needs at the best price, talk to a broker or compare home insurance rates online.