Dog Exclusion in Homeowners Insurance
Dog Exclusion in Homeowners Insurance: Why It Matters More Than Ever
August is National Dog Month—and it also happens to fall during the “dog days of summer.” While this month is all about celebrating our furry friends, it’s also the perfect time to talk about something that can impact dog owners in a big way: the Dog Exclusion in homeowners insurance.
You may think your homeowners insurance has you covered for anything your dog might do. After all, your home is insured, and your dog is part of your home. But a growing number of insurance companies are changing the way they handle dogs, especially those they label as “aggressive breeds”, or any dog that has a history of being agressive Instead of denying coverage altogether, they’re now adding exclusions that specifically remove coverage for dog-related liability.
That means you could be paying for homeowners insurance every month, thinking you’re protected, when in reality, you have a big gap in coverage. Let’s break down what a Dog Exclusion is, why insurers are doing it, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself and your dog.
What Is a Dog Exclusion?
A Dog Exclusion—sometimes called a canine liability exclusion—is a clause in your homeowners insurance policy that says:
“We will not cover any damages, injuries, or claims that result from your dog.”
This can apply to:
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Bodily injury – for example, if your dog bites someone or knocks them over and they get hurt.
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Property damage – for example, if your dog chews through your neighbor’s fence or damages their belongings.
In many cases, the exclusion is breed-specific. That means the policy lists certain breeds that are excluded from coverage. If you own one of those breeds, the exclusion applies automatically. But sometimes the exclusion is broader—it may apply to any dog that has a history of aggression or biting, no matter the breed.
How Things Used to Work
Not too long ago, home insurance companies handled dogs differently. If they didn’t want to insure certain breeds, they simply wouldn’t issue you a policy in the first place. For example:
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If you had a pit bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, or Doberman, they might deny your application.
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If you got one of those breeds while already insured, they could choose not to renew your policy.
While this was frustrating for dog owners, at least it was clear. You either had coverage for your dog, or you didn’t.
Now, more companies are taking a different approach: they’ll issue you the policy, but they’ll include an endorsement that excludes your dog from liability coverage. This means your policy still looks valid and complete, but you actually have zero protection if your dog is involved in an incident.
Why Are Dog Exclusions Becoming Common?
Insurance companies make decisions based on risk and claims history. Certain dog breeds have a reputation—fair or not—for causing more severe injuries when bites occur. Medical costs from dog bite claims can be high, and lawsuits can be even higher.
A few reasons behind the trend:
- Claim Costs Are Rising – The average dog bite claim costs tens of thousands of dollars. Severe injuries can easily reach six figures.
- Litigation Is More Common – People are quicker to take legal action for dog-related incidents than in the past.
- Breed Stereotypes – Whether accurate or not, certain breeds are labeled as “high risk” by insurance companies.
- Broader Liability Concerns – It’s not just bites. Even a friendly dog can cause injury by knocking someone over or startling them.
Commonly Excluded Breeds
While the exact list varies by insurer, some breeds are frequently targeted for exclusions:
- Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Huskies and Malamutes
- Akitas
- Chow Chows
- Mastiffs
- Wolf hybrids
Remember: an exclusion can also apply if your dog is a mix of an excluded breed. And some exclusions aren’t breed-specific—they apply to any dog with a bite or aggression history.
The Hidden Risk for Dog Owners
The biggest danger with a Dog Exclusion is thinking you’re covered when you’re not. You might read your homeowners policy and see the word “liability” and assume it covers all accidents. But the exclusion takes away that protection for incidents involving your dog.
Let’s say:
- Your dog gets loose and bites the mail carrier.
- Your dog jumps on a guest, causing them to fall and break a bone.
- Your dog damages a neighbor’s property.
Without coverage, you’re personally responsible for any medical bills, legal costs, or settlements. That could mean thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars out of your pocket.
How to Find Out If Your Policy Has a Dog Exclusion
Here’s how to check:
- Read the Liability Section Carefully – Look for wording about “animals” or “canine liability.”
- Check Endorsements – Many exclusions are added as endorsements at the back of your policy.
- Look for Breed Lists – If certain breeds are named, that’s a red flag.
- Ask Your Agent – If you’re not sure, call your insurance agent and ask directly.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excluded
If you find out your dog is excluded from your homeowners coverage, you have options.
1. Ask About Removing the Exclusion
Some insurers will consider removing a dog exclusion if you can prove responsible ownership—such as training certificates, a history of no incidents, or updated vaccinations. There may be a charge for removing the exclusion.
2. See if your Agent can Shop Around
Not all insurance companies have the same rules. An independent agent (like Huff Insurance) can check multiple companies to find one that will cover both your home and your dog.
3. Consider Specialty Coverage
There are standalone dog liability policies that can cover breeds excluded by traditional homeowners insurance. An umbrella liability policy may also help, though some exclude dogs too—so always check the details.
4. Take Preventive Measures
- Secure fencing and gates
- Leash rules on walks
- Socialization and obedience training
- Supervision around guests and strangers
These steps won’t just help with insurance—they reduce the risk of incidents in the first place.
Why Honesty Matters
It might be tempting not to mention your dog to your insurance company. But hiding the fact that you have a dog—especially one on an exclusion list—can backfire. If you file a claim and the company discovers you withheld that information, they can deny the claim or even cancel your policy.
Being upfront allows you to find the right coverage from the start.
The Role of an Independent Insurance Agent
This is where Huff Insurance comes in. We’ve been an independent insurance agent since 1960, which means we work with multiple insurance companies—not just one. That gives us the flexibility to find policies that fit your situation, including coverage for dog owners.
An independent agent is like a personal shopper for insurance. We compare options, explain the fine print, and help you make sure there are no hidden exclusions waiting to surprise you later.
FAQs About Dog Exclusions
1. What exactly is a Dog Exclusion?
It’s a clause in your homeowners policy that removes liability coverage for any injuries or damages caused by your dog, often based on breed or past behavior.
2. Which breeds are most likely to be excluded?
Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Huskies, Akitas, and similar breeds are commonly excluded.
3. If my dog is excluded, does that mean I can’t get homeowners insurance?
Not necessarily. You can still get a homeowners policy, but you won’t have liability coverage for your dog unless you find a company that offers it.
4. Can I get coverage for an excluded dog?
Yes. Some insurers will write policies for all breeds, and specialty dog liability policies can fill the gap.
5. Should I tell my insurance company about my dog?
Absolutely. Not disclosing your dog can result in denied claims or policy cancellation.
Final Thoughts
Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys—but it comes with responsibilities. As dog exclusions become more common in homeowners insurance, it’s more important than ever to know exactly what your policy covers.
The best way to protect yourself and your pup? Work with an experienced, independent insurance agent like Huff Insurance. We’ll help you navigate the fine print, find the right policy, and keep both your home and your furry friend safe—so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying National Dog Month.
