While most people try to be responsible drivers, car accidents can happen to anyone. Hopefully it’s something you never have to experience but just in case, knowing what to do in an emergency can be lifesaving – especially when other people or domestic animals are involved.

Whether you’re driving through the country or a suburban neighbourhood, you may encounter pets on the road. Here’s what you need to know if you get into an accident with a dog or cat.

1. Pull over and turn on your hazards

If you experience an animal collision, the very first thing you should do is pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights, even if the road isn’t busy. Always look for traffic before getting out of your car.

2. Assess the safety of the scene

The next step is to immediately check yourself and your passengers for any injuries due to the collision. Then, check around for any imminent danger or hazards on the scene, such as fire (or risk of fire), broken glass or debris, or anything else that could injure you or your passengers. Also, keep an eye on the dog or cat, particularly its temperament – if it’s injured but still mobile, it could become aggressive very quickly.

3. Call the police or relevant authorities

At this point – if there are no human injuries that would require calling 911 - contact animal control or the police immediately. Different provinces have different legal thresholds for a “hit and run” involving an animal; in many cases, it depends on the damage done to the animal, the animal’s approximate weight, the ability to contact an owner and so on. It’s best to contact non-emergency authorities just in case.

4. Check the pet for identification

That leads us into the next step – checking to see if the dog or cat is wearing a collar or ID tag that can help to identify its owner. Approach the animal cautiously. It’s likely frightened or could be more injured than it first appeared to be. If possible, put on gloves before handling the animal. If it appears injured, avoid moving it unless necessary. If it’s approachable, check for a tag for owner information. If there’s no collar or tag, it’s best to call a non-emergency police line or your local animal authority.

As much as you probably want to help, a wounded dog can be unpredictable and dangerous. Don’t leave the scene until authorities arrive or you've exhausted all efforts to locate the owner. Even if the dog appears unharmed, it may have internal injuries. Again, your first instinct might be to give assistance to the dog, but this is best left to animal control services or the non-emergency police.

5. Document the scene and damage to your vehicle

If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the scene of the crash and any damage to your car.  Take notes. Write down what happened, the street you’re on, and the time and date. Document the incident with as much detail and as many photos as possible, and if there are witnesses, try to get information from them as well. This will be necessary if you decide to make an auto insurance claim.

6. Contact your auto insurance company

After the above details are recorded, you should call your car insurance provider and inform them of the incident – even if you don’t intend to make an auto claim. Ignoring the incident could lead to complications later, especially if the dog's owner files a legal claim against you. Reporting protects you and helps the injured animal, so don’t hesitate to let your provider know what happened.

I hit a dog with my car – what happens after the accident?

Hitting a dog with your car is a traumatic experience, filled with immediate panic and uncertainty. Whether the dog appears injured or runs away, understanding your responsibilities in the aftermath is vital. Here’s what to know: 

Vehicle damage

Knowing whose insurance will cover the vehicle damage can sometimes be tricky. For example, the dog wasn’t on a leash and dashed onto the road towards oncoming traffic and dented your bumper. Since you, the driver, are "not at-fault", your insurer could pay for damages to your vehicle, but a deductible may apply.

But if the situation was different and you lost control of your vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk, then accidentally hit the dog and broke its leg – you could be liable. Your insurer might pay for damages to the vehicle under collision coverage, if you’ve purchased it.

Despite whoever is to blame, both situations are highly emotional and difficult. Most people view their pets as a member of their family but in the eyes of the law, they are technically considered the owner’s property. However, even though pets are considered “property” they are not covered by most home insurance policies.

Pet injuries

Since pet injuries aren’t covered by a home or auto insurance policy, this is where having pet insurance comes in handy. If the owner of the injured pet holds a pet policy, coverage for the dog could be available for this unexpected accident granted it didn’t occur pre-policy or within the policy waiting periods. For example, coverage from Sonnet Pet Insurance would include costs associated to see the vet, diagnose, treat, and any subsequent follow-ups.

FAQs

Is it my fault if my dog got hit by a car?

Accidents happen. Feeling guilty is natural, but assigning blame is complex. Was your dog leashed? Did you follow local ordinances? If so, the accident might not be your fault. If your dog ran into the street unexpectedly, you bear less responsibility than if they were off leash in an unsafe area. Regardless, focus on healing and preventing future tragedies. Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, so don't blame yourself if you took reasonable precautions.

Do you have to report hitting a dog in Ontario?

Yes. Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, a collision with a domestic animal requires you to report it to the police within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in fines ranging from $400 to $20,000, and in some cases, imprisonment for up to six months.

What do I do if my pet is injured, and I don’t have pet insurance?

Unfortunately, you’ll probably have to pay out-of-pocket for any vet bills which can be costly. This is why it’s a good idea to research pet insurance as soon as you welcome home your new member of the family. So, what does pet insurance cover? Like most home and auto policies, coverage specifics will vary depending on the insurer.

Can you sue someone for hitting your dog or cat with their car?

You might be able to sue a driver if they are at fault for an auto accident where they hit your dog or cat causing injury or death. You’ll have to prove that the driver is at fault and the accident caused you harm in the form of costly vet bills.

Get your car covered with Sonnet

An animal collision is a distressing experience for anyone to go through. So, knowing what to do ahead of time can help you be prepared for the worst. Take some time to understand what’s included in your auto and pet insurance policies – especially what pet insurance covers – to make sure you and your best friend are protected. Then you’ll be able to relax knowing that your dog or cat is covered – and that your car is covered in the event of an auto claim.