San Diego is a city known for its love of pets—but with over 600,000 dogs in the region, dog bites are more common than you might expect. If you or someone you love has been bitten, knowing the local laws and statistics can help you protect your rights and understand what steps to take next.
California’s Strict Liability Rule
In California, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone. This means:
- The owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
- You don’t need to prove the dog was dangerous or the owner was negligent.
- This law applies as long as you were lawfully on public or private property when the bite happened.
The law only applies to actual bites. If a dog knocks you over or causes injury in another way, you’ll typically need to prove negligence. California also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you were partly at fault—such as provoking the dog.
Leash and Licensing Laws in San Diego
To prevent dog bites, San Diego has strict leash and licensing requirements:
- Dogs must be leashed (no longer than 6 feet) when in public areas.
- All dogs over 4 months old must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
- Dogs deemed dangerous after prior bites may be subject to restrictions, including muzzling or even removal.
- Tethering a dog for too long can result in fines and citations, especially in cases where the dog becomes aggressive.
Breaking these rules not only puts others at risk—it can also increase the legal liability of the dog owner.
Dog Bite Statistics in San Diego
San Diego consistently ranks among the top cities in the country for dog bites:
- Over 6,000 dog bites are reported each year in San Diego County.
- Around 2,500 of these are considered serious, requiring medical attention.
- In 2024, the city ranked #10 nationally for postal worker dog attacks, with 35 reported cases.
- San Diego sees an estimated 1,376 bites per 100,000 residents—well above the state average.
Most bites occur in neighborhoods, on sidewalks, and in parks. Many victims are either children under 10 or delivery personnel, who regularly interact with unfamiliar dogs.
Common Dog Breeds and Bite Locations
While California does not ban specific breeds, some dogs are more often involved in serious bite cases:
- Pit bulls, German shepherds, and Rottweilers are frequently cited in reports.
- Children are especially vulnerable, often bitten in the face or neck.
- Most bites happen in or near residential areas, especially during late afternoon or early evening when people are walking their dogs or kids are playing outside.
Medical Costs and Insurance Settlements
Dog bites aren’t just painful—they can be expensive:
- Minor injuries like scratches or small punctures may cost $5,000–$20,000 to treat.
- Serious bites, especially to the face or hands, can exceed $100,000 due to surgeries, therapy, or long-term care.
- The average insurance payout for a dog bite claim in California is around $60,000.
If the dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance, that policy often covers dog bite liability.
What to Do If You’re Bitten in San Diego
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, take these steps right away:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible—even small bites can become infected.
- Report the bite to San Diego County Animal Services.
- Document everything—take pictures of your injuries, the dog, the location, and collect witness information.
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters until you speak to a dog bite attorney.
- Keep all medical records and receipts, including costs for therapy or counseling if needed.
Dog bite claims are easier to prove under California’s strict liability law, but insurance companies may still try to reduce what they owe you. A lawyer can help ensure you get full compensation.
How Dog Owners Defend Themselves
Even with strict liability, dog owners sometimes argue:
- You provoked the dog by teasing or startling it.
- You were trespassing or otherwise not lawfully on the property.
- The injury wasn’t from their dog or the damage isn’t as severe as you claim.
- You were partly at fault, which can reduce their financial responsibility.
These arguments don’t automatically prevent you from winning a case, but you’ll need evidence—like photos, medical records, and witness statements—to push back.
Prevention Efforts in San Diego
San Diego takes bite prevention seriously:
- Animal Control enforces leash laws and investigates dog attacks.
- Local schools and shelters provide education on how to safely interact with pets.
- The city offers free and low-cost training, spay/neuter programs, and public awareness campaigns.
- In areas with repeat bite cases, officials may hold hearings and impose special restrictions on dogs and their owners.
Bite Rates by City in the County
Here’s how San Diego compares to nearby cities in reported bite incidents:
- San Diego: 96.6 bites per 100,000 residents
- Chula Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido also report high numbers
- Del Mar and Solana Beach see fewer cases, likely due to lower population and stricter local ordinances
Understanding where bites happen can help target enforcement and education efforts.
Final Thoughts
Dog bites in San Diego are common, but the law is on your side. If you or a loved one is bitten, you have the right to pursue compensation—often through insurance. With strict liability laws, strong leash rules, and ongoing prevention efforts, San Diego is working to reduce attacks and hold negligent owners accountable. Take fast action, document the incident, and speak with a qualified dog bite attorney in San Diego to protect your rights and secure the support you need.
References
- California Civil Code § 3342. (2024). Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- San Diego County Animal Services. (2024). Dog bite report and prevention strategies.
- San Diego Department of Public Health. (2024). Annual injury statistics.
- U.S. Postal Service. (2025). Dog attacks on postal workers: National and local trends.
- Insurance Information Institute. (2024). Average dog bite claim payouts in California.
- San Diego County Code § 62.669. (2024). Leash law regulations.
- Dog Bite Law Group. (2024). San Diego dog bite injury claims.
- CBS 8 San Diego. (2024). Cities with the highest dog bite rates in San Diego County.
- San Diego Humane Society. (2024). Dog safety and public education programs.
