If you’re a Texas pet business owner, one unexpected bite could cost you your reputation—or your business.
Whether you’re grooming, boarding, or training dogs daily, the risk of an incident is always present. But what you might not realize is how liability laws in Texas work—or how quickly they can impact your bottom line.
At PetBusinessInsurance.com, we’ve guided hundreds of Texas pet pros through the legal maze of dog bite claims. We understand the unique pressures you face when a scared or stressed animal lashes out—and how easily things can escalate legally if you’re unprepared.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What Texas dog bite laws require of you as a professional
- How they differ from other states
- Risk management strategies that actually work
By the end, you’ll know how to protect your clients, your staff, and your livelihood—while still doing what you love.
What Is the “One Bite Rule” in Texas—and Why It’s Misunderstood
Texas does not follow a strict liability law for dog bites like some states. Instead, it uses the “one bite rule.”
But don’t let the name fool you—this doesn’t mean your business is protected after a first incident.
Here’s how it really works: courts look at whether:
- The dog owner (or handler) knew—or should have known—the dog had aggressive tendencies
- There was a past incident of aggression, including biting, lunging, growling, or snapping
- The handler failed to take reasonable precautions
The key legal standard is “knowledge of dangerous propensity.”
This could include:
- A documented history of bad behavior
- Prior warnings from handlers or clients
- Known stressors or triggers that haven’t been addressed
Important: If your business had reason to believe a dog could be dangerous and didn’t act accordingly, you’re vulnerable to a claim—even if it’s the dog’s first bite.
Real Case Example:
Dunnings v. Castro
The court held a dog owner liable even without a previous bite, due to aggressive behaviors that had already occurred.
Can You Still Be Liable Without a Previous Bite? (Yes—and Here’s How)
Even if there’s no known aggression history, you can still be held liable under negligence law.
You could be considered negligent if you:
- Leave a gate open
- Don’t evaluate a new pet’s behavior
- Allow risky client-pet interactions
- Ignore signs of stress or aggression
Case in Point:
Bushnell v. Mott
A pet business was held liable for a bite caused by an unsecured fence—even though the dog had never shown aggression before.
Key Takeaway: Negligence doesn’t require a bite history. It just requires a preventable mistake.
Are There Times You’re Automatically Liable? (Strict Liability in Texas)
While Texas generally avoids strict liability, it does exist under certain circumstances.
You’re automatically liable if you:
- Intentionally use a dog to cause harm
- Violate specific city-level animal control ordinances
- Handle exotic or wild animals under the Health & Safety Code
Real-Life Example:
Houston’s “Aggressive Dog” ordinance increases liability for animals designated dangerous—even after just one incident.
Taking in a flagged dog without strict precautions can put your business at significant legal risk.
Why Pet Businesses Face Stricter Legal Standards Than Pet Owners
Pet professionals are held to a higher legal standard than private pet owners.
Courts expect you to:
- Train staff on animal behavior
- Maintain safe facilities and equipment
- Document assessments and incidents
- Supervise client and pet interactions
Real Case Example:
In Dallas, a boarding facility was found liable when staff ignored signs of stress. The dog had never bitten before, but the court said the pros “should have known better.”
Remember: If you’re paid to care for animals, the law holds you to that responsibility.
Does Your City Have Stricter Rules? (Yes—And You’d Better Know Them)
Texas law is layered. State law is one thing—local ordinances are another. Examples:
Houston:
- Mandatory licenses
- Enhanced bite reporting
- Violation = Presumed negligence
Dallas:
- Dangerous dog designations
- Secure enclosures required
- Compliance doesn’t guarantee protection
San Antonio:
- 24-hour bite reporting
- Quarantine requirements
- Failure to comply = automatic fault
Key Tip: Every city has its own rules. Know yours.
Are Certain Breeds Treated Differently? (And Why It Still Affects You)
Breed-specific laws are technically banned in Texas—but they’re still enforced indirectly.
Fort Worth Example:
Extra containment is required for dogs over 50 lbs with behavioral issues.
This targets certain breeds without naming them, increasing risk for groomers and boarders.
If you work with high-risk breeds, courts expect you to enforce higher safety standards.
How to Reduce Your Legal Risk: 5 Proven Strategies
Legal protection starts with prevention. Here’s what works:
1. Intake Protocols
- Ask about bite history and triggers
- Require owner signatures and disclosures
2. Behavioral Evaluations
- Supervised test visits
- Strike policy for stress/aggression
3. Signage & Flow
- “Do Not Pet” signs
- Separate client waiting areas
4. Staff Training
- Animal handling courses
- Pet first aid and muzzle protocols
5. Documentation Systems
- Save signed disclosures and incident reports
- Use photo/video documentation when needed
Rule of Thumb: If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen—in the eyes of the law.
What to Do When an Incident Happens
How you respond after a bite is just as important as what you did before it.
Your Immediate Actions:
- Separate the animals
- Provide first aid
- Secure the scene
- Avoid making statements about fault
Documentation Essentials:
- Write a report
- Take photos
- Get witness information
- Notify authorities or insurance as needed
Stay factual. Stay calm. Stay protected.
Conclusion: What’s Next for You and Your Business?
Managing dog bite liability isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about being ready.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about your exposure or overwhelmed by what could go wrong, you now have a roadmap to move forward.
Start by:
- Strengthening your intake
- Training your staff
- Documenting everything
- Asking for help when needed
This article was written by the experts at PetBusinessInsurance.com.
We help Texas pet professionals like you stay protected—without losing focus on the pets you care for.
Want to review your coverage or build a risk checklist? Contact us today!