Dog Bite Laws in Washington State: What You Need to Know

Dog bites cause thousands of injuries each year in the United States, and many of those incidents lead to medical bills, lost income, and long-term complications such as infections or scarring. Washington law addresses these situations through a strict-liability rule that often holds dog owners liable when their dogs bite someone.

In Washington State, dog owners can be held accountable when their pet causes harm, but many victims don’t realize their legal rights or how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. With an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occurring in the U.S. each year, it’s a far more common — and devastating — injury than people realize.

Our Seattle dog bite attorneys assist people injured by dog attacks across Washington. The information below explains how dog bite laws apply and what steps injured victims can take.

What Is the Dog Bite Rule in Washington State

Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner can be responsible for injuries caused by a bite even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before.

Under RCW 16.08.040, the owner is legally responsible for the victim's damages when a dog bites someone.

The law states explicitly that it doesn't matter if:

• The dog had never bitten anyone before.
• The owner had no prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous tendencies.
• The owner took reasonable precautions to prevent the bite.

This strict liability applies when the victim is:

• In a public place lawfully
• On private property with permission (including the owner's property)

However, there are some exceptions to owner liability:

• If the injured person provoked the dog by pulling the dog’s tail or ears, kicking, hitting, or teasing (RCW 16.08.060).
• If the bite came from a police dog performing official duties.

The law also extends to damages caused to other animals. For example, if one owner's dog attacks and injures another person's pet, the attacking dog's owner is responsible for veterinary costs and other related damages.

Washington Dog Bite Laws: Defining Dog Ownership

The owner of the dog is responsible when the dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or on private property. In most cases, ownership is straightforward. The person who owns and keeps the dog is responsible for injuries caused by a bite.

In some situations, however, questions arise about who actually controlled the dog at the time of the incident. Courts may look at factors such as:

• Who regularly cares for the dog?
• Who has control over the animal?
• Who provides housing for the dog?

In some cases, a person who keeps, harbors, or exercises control over a dog may also be treated as legally responsible, even if they are not the dog’s formal owner. When multiple people share control of a dog, more than one person may become involved in a dog bite claim.

When a Person Is Lawfully on Private Property

Washington State law regarding dog bites applies when the victim is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property.

A person may be considered lawfully on private property when they are:

• Visiting with permission
• Delivering mail or packages
• Performing work duties
• Entering a business open to the public

These rules are outlined in RCW 16.08.050, which explains when someone is considered lawfully present for purposes of a dog bite claim.

Leash Laws in Washington State

Washington does not have a single statewide leash law. Instead, leash requirements are typically established through local city or county ordinances, meaning the rules can vary depending on where the incident occurs.

Instead, leash requirements vary by location:

• State parks: Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 8 feet.
• City and county laws: Many local municipalities have their own leash requirements. For instance, King County requires dogs to be on leashes in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks.
• Dog control zones: Under RCW 16.10.020, counties may create special dog control zones in densely populated areas.
• Private properties: Schools, shopping centers, and other private establishments often set their own rules regarding dogs.

Even where specific leash rules are limited, dog owners still have a duty to prevent their animals from causing harm. Owners who fail to control their dogs may face liability if their dogs cause injuries.

Who Is Liable for Your Dog Bite Injuries

People who are attacked by a dog can demand money for their injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. If dog owners have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, these policies are usually involved in any dog bite litigation.

Dog attacks can cause more than puncture wounds. Victims may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:

• Deep lacerations
• Infections such as rabies or tetanus
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Injuries from falling or being knocked down during the attack

Compensable damages in dog bite cases typically include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, antibiotics, rabies treatments)
• Future medical costs (reconstructive surgery, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Property damage

For children who suffer dog bites, compensation may also include future cosmetic procedures to address scarring as they grow. However, most young children have to live with facial and other bodily scars for their entire childhood until they are in their early 20s, when scar revision surgery can be done.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite incident in Washington, taking prompt and proper action can protect both your health and your legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Even seemingly minor dog bites can cause serious infections. Call 911 for severe injuries, especially if the victim is a child or an elderly person. Proper medical documentation also strengthens any future legal claim.
• Identify the dog and owner: Obtain the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information. If possible, get vaccination records, particularly for rabies.
• Gather witness information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the attack or is familiar with the dog's history of aggression.
• Document everything: Take clear photos of your injuries before treatment and continue documenting the healing process. Photograph the location where the bite occurred, including any relevant factors like broken fences or "Beware of Dog" signs.
• Report the incident: File a report with your local animal control agency (more on this below).
• Save all records: Keep copies of medical bills, prescription costs, lost wages records, and any other expenses related to the bite.
• Contact a professional dog bite attorney: Many victims don't realize they're entitled to compensation beyond just medical bills. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a dog bite claim to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other costs.

Don't downplay your injuries or accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies before consulting with an attorney. Dog bite injuries often have long-term consequences that may not be immediately apparent.

Reporting Dog Bites to Authorities

Reporting a dog bite to local animal control is essential for several reasons:

• It creates an official record of the incident.
• It helps protect others from potential future attacks.
• It may be required by law in your jurisdiction.
• It provides documentation that strengthens your claim.

When filing a report, be prepared to provide:

• Your contact information
• Information about the dog and its owner
• Details about when and where the bite occurred
• Description of injuries
• Information about any witnesses

Animal control will typically investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies. They'll also determine if the dog should be classified as "dangerous" under local regulations.

Time Limitations for Filing Dog Bite Claims

In Washington State, you don't have unlimited time to pursue compensation after a dog bite incident. The state has established a specific statute of limitations that governs when you must file your claim.

Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), dog bite victims have three years from the date of the attack to file a legal claim. This window applies to personal injury claims, including dog bites and attacks.

What Happens to Dogs After Biting Someone

Many dog bite victims worry about what will happen to the animal after a bite is reported.

The consequences for the dog depend on several factors:

• The severity of the injury
• The dog's history of aggressive behavior
• Local animal control policies
• Whether the dog is properly vaccinated for rabies

Typical outcomes include:

• Quarantine: Dogs that bite are often quarantined for 10-14 days at home or at an animal control facility to monitor for signs of rabies.
• Dangerous dog designation: The dog may be officially classified as "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous", requiring the owner to take special precautions like muzzling the dog in public, securing higher insurance coverage, or installing special containment.
• Fines: The owner may face substantial fines, especially if their dog violates leash laws or has a history of incidents.
• Euthanasia: In rare cases involving severe attacks or repeat offenders, a court may order the dog to be euthanized humanely.

It's important to understand that filing a personal injury claim against the owner has no direct bearing on whether the dog will be removed or euthanized. That decision is made independently by animal control authorities based on public safety considerations, not your legal action.

Is There a Breed-Based Dog Danger Law in Washington

Washington state law doesn't label dogs as dangerous solely based on their breed. While any dog has the potential to bite, local jurisdictions retain the power to enact breed-specific rules. Dogs and their owners can often bypass these restrictions by demonstrating responsible behavior through assessments like the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.

The Legal Path After a Dog Bite in Washington

Dog bite cases often involve medical evidence, insurance negotiations, and strict legal deadlines. Washington law allows injured victims to pursue compensation when a dog owner is responsible for an attack.

The attorneys at Lehmbecker Law represent individuals injured by dog bites across Washington.  Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your rights to compensation.