Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania? Understanding the Law in Luzerne County

Pennsylvania's dog bite laws are more confusing than many people expect. While dog owners are strictly liable for paying a victim's medical expenses, recovering additional damages—such as pain and suffering, lost wages, or emotional distress—requires proving that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog.

Because of this, determining who is responsible for the dog bite is often the most important part of the case. And in Pennsylvania, liability doesn't always fall solely on the dog's owner.

Several other parties may also be responsible, depending on the circumstances — including dog sitters, parents of minor owners, and even property owners.

Below is a breakdown of who may be liable under Pennsylvania law, especially here in Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Dog Sitters and Caregivers

Many dog owners leave their pets with:

• Doggy daycare facilities

• Boarding kennels

• Professional walkers or trainers

• Friends or family while away

If a dog bites someone while under a sitter's control, that sitter may be liable. Under Pennsylvania law, liability often follows who had custody and control of the dog at the time of the bite, not just who owns it.

If the sitter failed to restrain or supervise the dog properly, victims may be able to pursue compensation from them as well.

Parents of Minor Dog Owners

When the dog's legal owner is a minor (under 18), the parents can be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.

Pennsylvania law generally considers parents to be the “keepers” of animals owned by their children because:

• Minors cannot be held legally responsible in the same way as adults

• Children often lack the maturity or ability to control a dog

• Parents are responsible for supervising both the child and the dog

Even if the child is listed as the dog's owner, the claim is usually brought against the parent(s).

Property Owners and Landlords

Property owners may face liability for a dog bite under certain circumstances.

1. Landlords Who Know a Dog Is Dangerous

If a landlord knows (or should know) that a tenant's dog is aggressive and fails to act—such as:

• Not removing the dog

• Not enforcing lease restrictions

• Ignoring complaints about the dog

They can be held liable if a tenant's dog injures someone.

This is common in apartment complexes, duplexes, and rental homes in Luzerne County.

2. Businesses and Property Owners with Dogs on Premises

A store owner or business may be liable if:

• A dog is on the property

• The owner or employees do nothing to remove it

• The dog then attacks a customer or visitor

Even if the visiting dog is not owned by the business, failure to remove a known danger can create liability.

Why Liability Matters

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Scarring or disfigurement

• Emotional trauma

• Reconstructive surgery

• Rabies or infection-related treatment

But receiving anything beyond medical expenses requires proving negligence — which often means identifying the correct responsible party.

This is why speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer early on is critical.

Contact Sklarosky Law Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a dog bite incident in Luzerne County or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, do not wait to get legal help.

📞 Call Sklarosky Law at (570) 283-1200
📝 Or use our online contact form to tell us about your case.

Dog bite cases can be complex — but you don't have to navigate them alone.
We will fight to secure the financial compensation you deserve.