Can I Sue the Owner of the Dog That Bit My Dog?

 Posted on January 28, 2026 in Animal Attacks

It’s terrible when you get bitten by a dog. It can almost be worse when you see your own dog get attacked by another dog. Many dog owners ignore the fact that their dogs are aggressive or pushy and allow them to be off leash when they should not be. They may ignore other owners who ask them to call their dog back or who warn that their own dog will not respond well if it gets run up on.

This is not only frustrating but downright unsafe. If things escalate to a fight and your dog gets attacked, you may wonder how you can recoup vet bills, and also how you can make sure the other dog owner is held responsible. A Will County dog bite lawyer can help you with these steps.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Dog-on-Dog Attacks?

When a dog bites a person without provocation, the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) holds the owner strictly liable, which means the injured person must be compensated for the damage. This does not immediately apply when a dog attacks another dog. For a dog-on-dog attack, you usually need to prove that the other dog’s owner was negligent to get compensation. This means you must show that the owner’s actions led to your dog's injuries.

How Do I Prove Another Dog Owner Was Negligent?

To prove negligence, you need to show each of the following:

• The other dog owner should have had control of their dog.

• The owner was not in control of their dog.

• This lack of control directly led to your dog's injuries or death.

• You suffered damages like veterinary bills or losing your dog.

Evidence that can help prove negligence includes video footage of the other owner’s behavior before the attack on your dog, witness statements, veterinary records, photographs of the attack scene or your dog's wounds, and any prior incidents involving the attacking dog.

What If the Other Dog Has a History of Aggression?

If the attacking dog has been aggressive before, this can help your case. If an owner knows their dog has dangerous habits and does not try to prevent them, they may be held liable for damages.

Does It Matter Where the Attack Happened?

Yes. If your dog was attacked on your property or while on a leash in a public area, you have a stronger case. If your dog was running loose or trespassing on the other owner's property, your case could be dismissed. Illinois courts consider whether your dog was where it was legally allowed to be at the time of the attack.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Attack Case?

If you successfully prove negligence, you may be able to recover:

• Veterinary bills for emergency treatment, surgery, medication, and follow-up care.

• Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs for your dog.

• The fair market value of your dog if they did not survive the attack.

• Lost wages if you had to take time off work to care for your dog.

What About Pain and Suffering for My Dog?

Illinois law treats dogs as personal property, which means courts do not award compensation for their pain and suffering.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Attacks My Dog?

Get your dog to a vet as soon as possible. They will document the injuries, which creates important evidence for your case. Take photographs of your dog's injuries, the attack scene, and any damage to property.

Report the attack to local animal control or police, which creates an official record of the incident. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Exchange information with the other dog owner if they’ll let you, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information if they have it. Some homeowner's insurance policies cover dog bite incidents, even when the victim is another animal.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Attack Lawsuit in Illinois?

For property damage claims (how dog-on-dog attacks are classified), you usually have five years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. It is best to act much sooner than that. Quick action shows you are serious about your claim and makes it much easier to find evidence.

Call a Kane County Personal Injury Lawyer Today

You need good evidence and a good lawyer to get justice for your dog. At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC, our team has over 175 years of collective experience. We are willing to go to trial and fight aggressively for our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so we will not collect payment from you unless we win your case.

If your dog was injured by another dog in 2026, contact our Will County dog-on-dog bite attorney at 630-552-6860 today for a free consultation about your case.