Who Is Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite During Pet Sitting in Georgia?

Whether you’re a neighbor doing a favor or a professional pet sitter, the question at the heart of every job is this: who is responsible when a dog bites someone while you’re pet sitting in GA? Understanding the answer matters because Georgia’s liability rules can shift the financial and legal burden onto owners, sitters, or both depending on the dog’s history, local leash ordinances, and how carefully the animal was handled at the moment of the bite.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Law: Owner & Keeper Liability

Under Georgia code (O.C.G.A. § 51‑2‑7), liability for dog bites isn’t automatic. The state imposes responsibility when:

1. The dog is “vicious” or dangerous—due to past bites or aggressive behavior—or was violating leash laws.
   
2. The dog injured someone through careless handling or being at large.
   
3. The victim did not provoke the attack.

The court requires evidence (past incidents or leash violations) to prove viciousness. This means a first‑time bite alone may not suffice unless leashing rules were broken.

Importantly, Georgia law extends liability beyond the legal owner to anyone who “keeps” or controls the dog, including pet sitters, walkers, kennel operators, or veterinarians. If you are pet sitting, you’re effectively the dog’s keeper during that period.

When Pet Sitters Are Held Responsible

As a pet sitter, you’re taking legal custody of the dog. If a bite occurs, you may be liable if:

• The dog injures someone while under your care, and
  
• Either the dog was already known to be dangerous and you allowed it to roam free, or
  
• You violated a leash ordinance or failed to properly control the dog.

Establishing sitter liability requires proving negligence: that you knew (or should have known) about the dog’s potential for harm and failed to manage that risk properly.

Even if the dog had no prior history of aggression, allowing it off‑leash where local law required leashing can expose you to liability.

Shared Liability with the Owner

Liability may be shared between the dog owner and the sitter:

• If the owner disclosed aggressive tendencies beforehand, both you and the owner may bear responsibility.
  
• If the owner failed to disclose any risk or violated leash rules, they could also be held liable.
  
• Victims may pursue claims against both parties, potentially through homeowner’s or pet‑sitting insurance.

Insurance Considerations

Pet sitters should have liability coverage, either via their own policy or as covered under the pet owner’s homeowner or pet‑care business insurance. Georgia courts may decline coverage if a dog isn’t disclosed to the insurer.

Best Practices for Pet Sitters

To reduce risk:

• Screen for aggression: Ask about any prior incidents or behavioral signs.
  
• Communicate clearly: Document known risks and instructions.
  
• Control the dog: Obey leash laws and local restrictions.
  
• Report promptly: Notify the owner and authorities immediately if a bite occurs.
  
• Seek legal advice: If you are bitten—or the dog bites someone under your watch—the victim should consult a Georgia dog‑bite lawyer to explore reimbursement and damages.

Conclusion

In Georgia, both legal owners and keepers, like pet sitters, can be held liable for a dog bite if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or failed to control it properly. Liability arises from either prior knowledge of aggression or violation of leash laws. As a pet sitter, you carry significant responsibility: maintaining control of the dog, ensuring safety, and having adequate insurance coverage can protect both you and your client.

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