Last Updated on September 18, 2026 by Team TBH
An off-leash dog bite in Toronto calls for three steps, in this order: get medical care, report the bite to the City, and protect the victim’s legal rights. The first hours matter most. What happens in that window affects both the injured person’s health and any compensation claim that follows.
Toronto has clear rules about leashes. Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, a dog off its owner’s property must be on a leash no longer than 2 metres, unless it is in a designated off-leash area. When a loose dog bites someone on a street, a sidewalk, or a regular park path, the owner has already broken a bylaw before the bite even happens.
Here is what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Get Medical Care, Even for a Small Bite
Anyone bitten by a dog in Toronto should see a doctor, even when the wound looks minor. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection because a dog’s mouth holds bacteria that can travel deep into punctures. A small wound on the hand or face can turn into a serious infection within a day or two.
First aid comes first:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to slow any bleeding.
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Go to a walk-in clinic, urgent care centre, or emergency department. Call 911 for deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or bites to the face, neck, or a child.
A doctor will check whether the victim needs antibiotics, stitches, or a tetanus shot. The doctor will also assess rabies risk. Rabies is rare in pet dogs in Ontario, but it is fatal once symptoms start, so doctors take it seriously. The City of Toronto advises getting assessed for rabies exposure even when the skin is not broken, if the dog’s saliva may have reached an open wound or the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Keep every medical record. Hospital notes, prescriptions, receipts, and follow-up appointments all become evidence later.
Step 2: Report the Bite and Collect Evidence at the Scene
A dog bite in Toronto should be reported to Toronto Animal Services by calling 311. Toronto Public Health also investigates animal bites to prevent the spread of rabies. Doctors in Ontario have a duty to report bites that could transmit rabies, but victims should not assume someone else has made the call.
When you call 311, have this information ready:
- A clear description of the dog (size, colour, breed if known)
- The dog owner’s name and address
- The date, time, and exact location of the bite
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
According to the City of Toronto, an officer responds within two hours if the dog is still running loose, and within 24 hours if the owner has the dog under control. The officer interviews the victim, the owner, and witnesses, asks for written statements, and takes photos. The investigation can lead to a dangerous dog designation, which brings rules like mandatory muzzling and leashing.
Public Health may also order a 10-day observation period for the dog. If the dog stays healthy for those 10 days, it could not have passed on rabies at the time of the bite. That result can save the victim from a full course of rabies shots.
What to collect before leaving the scene
The scene of an off-leash dog bite changes fast. The owner leaves, witnesses walk away, and the dog goes home. Before that happens, try to gather:
- The owner’s contact details. Ask for a name, phone number, and address. If the owner refuses, note what they look like and where they went.
- Take pictures of the wound, the dog, the location, torn clothing, and any signs showing the area is not an off-leash zone.
- Witness information. A neutral witness who saw the dog running loose is valuable.
- Your own notes. Write down what happened while the memory is fresh. Include what the owner said. Comments like “he’s never done this before” or “he got away from me” can matter later.
Do not argue about fault or sign anything at the scene.
Step 3: Understand Your Legal Rights Before Talking to an Insurer
A dog bite victim in Ontario can usually claim compensation directly from the dog’s owner. The law that makes this possible is the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). DOLA makes the owner liable for damages when their dog bites or attacks a person. This is called strict liability. The victim does not have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was aggressive.
For off-leash bites, this matters in two ways. First, a bite that happens because a dog was loose where it should have been leashed makes the owner’s position very hard to defend. Second, even a bite inside a designated off-leash park does not erase the owner’s responsibility under DOLA. The off-leash area allows dogs to run free. It does not give them permission to injure people.
DOLA does allow a court to reduce the compensation if the victim’s own actions contributed to the bite. Provoking the dog or ignoring clear warnings are examples. This is one reason careful notes and witness statements from Step 2 are so useful.
What a dog bite claim can cover
OHIP pays for emergency treatment, but it does not cover every cost of a serious bite. A claim against the owner, which is usually paid through the owner’s home or tenant insurance, can include:
- Lost income while recovering
- Physiotherapy, counselling, and medication not covered by OHIP
- Scar revision or reconstructive surgery
- Pain and suffering, including fear of dogs and anxiety after the attack
- Future care costs for lasting injuries
Watch the deadline
In most Ontario personal injury cases, the Limitations Act, 2002 sets a basic deadline of two years from the date of the injury to start a lawsuit. Waiting too long can end a claim, no matter how strong it is. Insurance companies sometimes call victims early with a quick settlement offer. Accepting before the full extent of the injuries is known can leave the victim paying for future treatment out of pocket.
Before giving a recorded statement or accepting an offer, it helps to speak with a lawyer for dog bite cases in Toronto. A lawyer can confirm who owns the dog, identify the right insurance policy, and value the claim based on the injuries and their long-term effects. Many personal injury firms in Toronto offer a free first consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if the dog owner says their dog was just playing?
Yes. Under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, the owner’s intent and the dog’s mood do not decide liability. If the dog bit or attacked a person and caused injury, the owner can be held responsible. Rough “play” that breaks skin or knocks someone down still counts.
What if I don’t know who owns the dog?
Call 311 right away and describe the dog, the location, and the direction it went. Toronto Animal Services can investigate and may be able to identify the owner. Post in local community groups and check whether nearby homes or businesses have security cameras.
Can a child’s dog bite claim be made years later?
Limitation rules work differently for minors in Ontario. The two-year clock generally does not start running until the child turns 18. Parents should still report the bite and keep records right away, because evidence and witnesses are much harder to find years later.
What if the dog bit my dog instead of me?
Report the attack to Toronto Animal Services through 311 and take your dog to a veterinarian. DOLA also covers attacks on domestic animals, so the other owner may be responsible for vet bills.
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