It’s a Dog-Bite-Dog World Out There
If your dog has been attacked or bitten by another dog, you have some options when it comes to getting recovery for veterinary bills. Even if the owner of the other dog is apologetic and cooperative at first, you should contact a lawyer to help you through the process.
If you have already been to a veterinarian about your dog’s injuries, you know the costs are going to be very high. Without pet insurance, the bills will easily be thousands of dollars. Your lawyer will help you go about getting the other dog owner to pay for these bills. In fact, your lawyer might be able to direct the other dog owners towards various insurance policies (that they already carry) that will cover the costs.
Your lawyer will also help you protect your pup and establish that the other dog was at fault. Your lawyer will help you find a dog disposition expert to evaluate your dog and establish how unlikely it was that your dog started the fight.
The other owners may become frightened and defensive. With severe injuries and a pattern of violent behavior, a judge could order the other dog to be destroyed. Once they fear for the life of their dog, you are not likely to get their help paying off the veterinary bills regardless of which dog started the fight.
If you’ve been to a dog beach or dog park, you know there is always an alpha dog running around bullying the other, more relaxed pups. By pressing the owners of an alpha dog to take responsibility for the actions of their dog, you are protecting other dogs; dogs that would have been attacked in the future if not for you.