Standard home insurance policies generally cover your pet’s damage to third parties under personal liability coverage, subject to policy terms and exclusions. If your pet injures someone else or damages their property, you, as the owner, will usually be held responsible. Personal liability coverage will cover medical bills or property repair costs, helping you avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
Updated: October 15, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance covers pet damage caused to third parties, such as property damage or medical expenses.
If your pet damages your home or injures a household member, home insurance will not cover the costs.
Some home insurance providers have breed restrictions, which may limit coverage.
Is Pet Damage Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
Here are situations where your home insurance covers pet damage:
Your Dog Bites a Guest in Your Home
If your dog bites a visitor while on your property, your home insurance's liability coverage may help pay for medical or legal expenses.
Your Dog Bites Someone Off Your Property
If your dog bites someone at a park or on a walk, liability protection may still apply. This off-premises coverage can help with medical bills and potential lawsuits.
Your Cat Scratches a Visitor, Causing Injury
If a guest requires medical attention due to a pet-related injury like a scratch or bite, your homeowners insurance may help cover the cost. This depends on your policy terms and whether the injury was accidental.
Your Pet Damages a Neighbor’s Property
If your pet ruins a neighbor’s garden or damages their furniture during a visit, your liability coverage might reimburse them for the loss.
HOME RUINED BY A FRIEND’S DOG? DON’T FILE WITH YOUR OWN INSURANCE YET
If someone else’s pet damages your property or injures you in your home, their homeowners or renters insurance may cover the cost under liability coverage, not your own policy. Your insurance usually won't pay for damage caused by a guest's pet, so you'll need to file a claim with their insurer instead.
If the pet owner doesn’t have homeowners or renters insurance, or refuses to take responsibility, you still have options:
- File a claim through your own homeowners insurance: Your policy may help cover the damage under the personal property or dwelling coverage sections, but you’ll have to pay your deductible and your premiums could increase.
- Pursue reimbursement directly: If the pet owner is unwilling to go through their insurance or doesn't have coverage, you can ask them to pay out of pocket. If they refuse, small claims court may be an option, depending on the damage amount.
When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
Homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover damage your pet causes to your belongings or property. Insurers view this type of damage as preventable and part of pet ownership. Pet-related claims may also be denied in these situations:
Your Pet Damages Your Own Property
Chewed furniture, scratched floors or torn carpet caused by your pet are not covered. These are considered maintenance issues, not sudden or accidental losses.
Your Pet Has a Known History of Aggression
If your dog or other pet has previously bitten someone or shown dangerous behavior, future incidents may not be covered. Insurers may classify the pet as high-risk and exclude it from liability protection.
Your Pet Is a Restricted Breed
Some insurance providers have breed restrictions and exclude coverage for certain types of dogs. If your pet falls under this list, claims related to them may be denied, regardless of their behavior.
You Didn’t Disclose Your Pet to Your Insurer
Failing to report pet ownership when applying for homeowners insurance can lead to denied claims. Insurers require accurate information to assess risk and determine what’s covered.
PET DAMAGE VS. PET LIABILITY: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
- Pet damage refers to damage your pet causes to your home or belongings, like scratched floors or chewed furniture. Homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover this type of damage.
- Pet liability refers to the injuries or losses your pet causes to others, which falls under personal liability coverage. This is the type of pet-related damage your homeowners insurance may cover, depending on the situation and your policy.
What Pets or Breeds Are Usually Excluded From Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance companies often restrict or exclude coverage for certain dog breeds and exotic animals due to perceived risk. These exclusions can impact your liability coverage if your pet causes injury or property damage.
Commonly Excluded Dog Breeds
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Chow Chows
- Wolf Hybrids
Commonly Excluded Exotic Animals
- Monkeys or primates
- Large snakes (e.g., pythons, boa constrictors)
- Venomous reptiles
- Large lizards (e.g., iguanas, monitor lizards)
- Exotic big cats (e.g., servals, bobcats)
- Wild hybrids (e.g., wolf-dog, Savannah cats)
- Ferrets (varies by insurer)
Some insurers may not exclude a breed outright but will deny coverage if the dog has a known history of aggression or prior incidents. Even if an exotic pet is legally owned in your state, your insurer may not cover its liability.
What to Do If Your Pet Isn't Covered by Home Insurance
If your homeowners policy doesn’t offer sufficient protection, consider these alternatives to fill coverage gaps:
Umbrella Insurance
Provides additional liability coverage beyond your home policy, which can be helpful for costly pet-related claims.
Pet Liability Insurance
A standalone policy that specifically covers damage or injury caused by your pet, especially if your pet is excluded from standard policies.
Renter’s Insurance
Offers similar liability protections for tenants who own pets and can help cover personal property and third-party damages.
These policies may benefit pet owners with restricted breeds, exotic animals, or pets with a history of behavioral incidents. Comparing your options helps ensure you're not left vulnerable to uncovered losses.
Tips to Prevent Pet Damage Claims
Preventing pet damage can save you time and money while reducing stress. You can train your pet and learn how to manage your pet's emotions.
Avoid Overwhelming Your Pet
Predicting how your pet will react to new visitors is difficult, so avoid having many guests at once.
Train Your Pet
Reward your pet for listening to your commands and behaving well around visitors.
Secure Areas of Your Home
Use baby gates, crates or closed doors to block off areas with valuable or fragile items. This helps minimize the chance of damage when you’re not around.
Provide Toys and Distractions
Chew toys, scratching posts and puzzle feeders give pets a healthy outlet for their energy. Keeping them engaged can prevent them from damaging your furniture or floors.
Consult an Animal Care Professional
An expert can provide deeper insight into your pet's behavior and help you manage its excitement or anxiety.
How to Handle Pet-Related Damage Claims
Pet-related incidents can lead to costly medical bills or property repairs, and handling them correctly matters for coverage. The steps differ depending on whether it’s your pet that caused the damage or someone else’s.
If Your Pet Injures Someone or Damages Their Property
If your dog bites a neighbor or knocks over a guest’s belongings, the other party will likely file a claim against your homeowners liability coverage. Your role is to report the incident and cooperate with your insurer.
- Notify your insurer promptly: Report the incident as soon as possible so your liability coverage can be activated.
- Provide documentation: Share photos, witness statements or vet records if requested.
- Stay in contact: Your insurer may handle communication and settlement with the affected party, but you’ll need to answer questions or supply additional details.
If Someone Else’s Pet Injures You or Damages Your Property
If a guest’s dog chews your furniture or a neighbor’s pet bites you, their insurance, not yours, is usually responsible. In this case, you may need to initiate the claim process yourself.
- 1Document the Incident
Take photos or videos of the injury or damage and record the date, time and circumstances. This evidence supports your case with the other party’s insurer.
- 2Notify the Pet Owner
Let them know you plan to file a claim through their homeowners or renters insurance. Provide your documentation so they can share it with their insurer.
- 3Collect Supporting Records
Save medical bills, vet records or repair estimates that show the financial impact. The insurer will use these to evaluate compensation.
- 4File the Claim with Their Insurer
Contact the pet owner's company directly after they report the incident. You can also initiate the process if they have yet to contact the company. Submit your documentation and be prepared to answer follow-up questions.
- 5Explore Alternatives If Denied
If the claim is rejected or the owner has no insurance, you can ask for out-of-pocket reimbursement or consider small claims court for eligible amounts.
Pet Liability Insurance for Homeowners: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage your pet causes to your own property, but it can protect you if your pet injures someone else or damages their belongings.
Knowing where your coverage begins and ends, and supplementing it if necessary, is key to avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Always review your policy details and compare quotes if you need broader protection.
Pet Damage and Homeowners Insurance: FAQ
Pet-related incidents under your policy aren't always clear. These common questions can help clarify when you're protected and when you may need extra coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover pet damage to my own home?
No. Damage your pet causes to your property, such as furniture or flooring, is usually excluded.
What pets are excluded from homeowners coverage?
Insurers often exclude certain dog breeds or exotic animals. Always check your policy’s exclusions.
Can I increase coverage for pet liability?
Yes. You can often raise your liability limits or add umbrella or pet liability coverage.
Is a dog bite covered under my homeowners insurance?
Yes, if it involves someone outside your household, and your dog isn’t excluded by breed or history.
Do I need pet liability insurance if I already have homeowners insurance?
If your pet is considered high-risk or excluded from your standard policy, a separate liability policy may be wise.
Will my homeowners insurance go up if my dog bites someone?
Yes, your premiums may increase after a liability claim for a dog bite. Insurers view pets with a history of aggression as higher risk.
What happens if someone else’s pet damages my property?
The pet owner’s homeowners or renters insurance should cover the cost under liability coverage. If they refuse to file a claim, you may need to pursue reimbursement directly or through small claims court.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Pet Damage: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.