Pandemic Pet Adoption Surge: Dog Bite Claims Decline Despite Increased Dog Ownership

Pandemic Lockdowns Lead to Increased Dog Adoption

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns have led many people to adopt new pets, particularly dogs. According to a survey from the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 21 percent of homeowners reported adopting a dog in 2020. This surge in pet adoption was a response to the increased time spent at home and the desire for companionship during these challenging times.

Dog Bite Claims Decrease Despite Increased Dog Population

Despite the significant increase in the number of dogs in American homes, homeowners' dog bite (and related injury) claims fell by 4.6 percent in 2020, according to Triple-I and State Farm analysis. The total number of claims decreased from 17,800 in 2019 to 16,990 in 2020. However, the total cost of claims increased by 7.1 percent to $853.7 million, and the average cost per claim rose by 12.3 percent to $50,245.

Rising Costs and Prevention Strategies

The rising costs of dog bite claims are attributed to increased medical expenses and higher settlements, judgments, and jury awards. The average cost per claim has increased by 162 percent from 2003 to 2020. To address this issue, National Dog Bite Prevention Week focuses on educating the public and providing practical tips for dog owners. Experts are particularly concerned about the potential for another spike in bites as restrictions ease and people return to their pre-pandemic routines.