Dog Bites

RCW 16.08.040 — the owner is liable, whether or not the dog was known to be vicious

In Washington, the owner of a dog that bites a person in a public place, or lawfully in a private place including the owner's own property, is liable for the damages the person suffers, regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it.

RCW 16.08.040

The section does not apply to the lawful use of a police dog.

RCW 16.08.040

Sources for this section (1)

RCW 16.08.040 — Dog bites; liability

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.

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