{"id":375641,"date":"2019-05-07T11:52:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T16:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-dog-bite-law.html"},"modified":"2026-07-29T12:05:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:05:21","slug":"ohio-dog-bite-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-dog-bite-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Featuring real-world insights from Eric Gile<\/a>, an Ohio attorney with more than ten years of experience.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Ohio dog bite laws<\/span> are strict liability statutes holding owners financially responsible if their pet injures someone without provocation<\/span>. Compensation is typically covered through homeowners insurance, with a six-year statute of limitations<\/span> for civil lawsuits. However, owners are not liable if the victim was trespassing<\/span>, committing a crime, or abusing the dog.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ohio dog bite law<\/span> is a ‘strict liability’ statute, which means a dog’s <\/span>owner<\/span>, keeper, or harborer<\/span> is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Unlike in some states, a bite victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent<\/span> or that the dog had a history of aggression. Unless specific defenses apply, the owner is liable for the victim\u2019s damages, such as medical expenses<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a dog bite victim, few things are as traumatic as suffering a dog bite injury. As the dog\u2019s owner<\/span>, it\u2019s heartrending to realize that your furry family member caused a serious injury<\/span>. Whichever side of the situation you\u2019re on, the aftermath of a dog attack<\/span><\/a> raises questions you might not know the answers to.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain Ohio\u2019s laws concerning dog bites and what they mean to you. We\u2019ll discuss what to do if you\u2019re attacked by a dog, who is liable for medical bills<\/span>, and what sort of classifications dogs are given in Ohio.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s natural to be overwhelmed in a situation like this.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve experienced a dog bite, consider speaking to a local animal bite attorney<\/a> about your injuries and how you might recover compensation.<\/p>\n

If your dog was involved in an incident where someone was injured, consider reaching out to a personal injury defense attorney<\/a> with experience in dog bite cases.<\/p>\n

First Steps to Take After a Dog Bite<\/h2>\n

Nobody wants to be the victim of a dog attack<\/span>, but it\u2019s important to know what to do if one happens. Your priority should be to get to a safe place and then address your personal injury. Even if it doesn\u2019t seem serious to you, you should seek medical attention<\/a>. Dog bite injuries carry a high risk of infection, so a trip to the emergency room or urgent care is a good idea.<\/p>\n

Ohio requires that a victim file a dog bite report within 24 hours to a health commissioner or animal control<\/span>. You should gather the dog\u2019s owner<\/span>‘s contact information and find out whether it has the required vaccinations. Get copies of bills for any medical treatment you receive, as these will be important evidence for recovering your costs in an insurance claim or lawsuit.<\/p>\n

The county will quarantine the dog to monitor for rabies symptoms<\/a>\u00a0and begin an investigation into the dog-bite case. During the case evaluation, a dog warden<\/span> determines whether the dog will be assigned a classification.<\/p>\n

Ohio Dog Bite Classifications<\/h2>\n

Ohio Revised Code Title IX \u00a7 955.22<\/a> defines acts that can lead a dog to be classified as \u201cnuisance,\u201d \u201cdangerous,\u201d or \u201cvicious.\u201d These classifications carry increased restrictions and responsibilities for the dog\u2019s owner<\/span>, including potential fines and misdemeanor or even felony charges. Each category has a specific legal definition.<\/p>\n

Police dogs<\/span> are not subject to classification in Ohio.<\/p>\n

Nuisance Dog<\/span> Acts<\/h3>\n

A dog may be designated as a “nuisance dog<\/span>“<\/strong> by authorities if it commits any of the following acts while off its owner’s property:<\/p>\n