Public liability: who pays if your dog causes damage
In France, you are liable for the damage your dog causes, even without any fault on your part: that is article 1243 of the Civil Code. In practice, it is your public liability insurance (often already included in your home insurance) that pays out. The right reflexes: make the scene safe, exchange contact details, tell your insurer promptly.
Why you are liable, even without any fault on your part
Article 1243 of the French Civil Code sets out strict liability: you answer for the damage your dog causes even if you committed no fault, and even if he slipped out of your sight. It does not matter that he has "never done anything before": strict liability takes no interest in a dog's past. Only force majeure, fault on the victim's part (for instance if they provoked the dog) or the act of a third party can reduce or set aside your liability.
Custody can change hands. If your dog was in the care of a boarding kennel, a trainer or a friend at the time, it is in principle that keeper who answers for the damage, not you (still article 1243). Check who is insured for what before leaving your dog with anyone.
Which insurance covers you
Non-categorised dog (most dogs)
- Your public liability cover is most often already part of your home insurance policy.
- No dedicated policy is legally compulsory, but check in writing that your dog really is covered.
- If a clause leaves you in any doubt, ask your insurer for the certificate.
Category 1 or category 2 dog
- A specific public liability policy is compulsory, separately from your home insurance: it is part of the ownership permit file you hand in at the town hall.
- Without that policy, you face a fine of up to 450 euros.
- Little known: members of your own family count as third parties, so they are covered (article L211-14, II, 1°, c, of the Rural Code).
- Keep the insurance certificate up to date, you may be asked for it during a check.
If damage happens
The priority is the person and the animal who are hurt, not working out who is to blame.
Make it safe and help
Get everyone out of harm's way, look after the victim first, call the emergency services if someone is injured. Liability gets sorted out afterwards.
Exchange information
Write down each party's name, address, contact details and insurer, plus any witnesses. Stay courteous: you are not admitting anything, you are simply helping to sort out what comes next.
Keep a record of everything
Photograph the scene and the damage, and write down the circumstances while they are still fresh.
Report it to your insurer promptly
Tell them within the deadline set by your policy (often a few working days): they are the ones who assess liability and pay out. Send your information, keep a copy.
Let the insurer do their job
Do not compensate the victim hand to hand: go through your insurer, who handles the amount and the negotiation.
This guide describes French law as verified in July 2026, as general information. For a specific dispute, a large sum or an unusual situation, your insurer (who often provides legal protection cover) and a legal professional remain the people to talk to.
- Civil Code, article 1243 (liability for the acts of animals), Légifrance
- Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, article L211-14 (II, 1°, c) (insurance for categorised dogs, family members treated as third parties), Légifrance
- Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, article L211-14-2 (obligations in the event of a bite), Légifrance
- Criminal Code, articles 221-6-2 (involuntary homicide caused by a dog) and 222-19-2 (involuntary injury caused by a dog), Légifrance
- Category 1 or category 2 dog (factsheet F1839), service-public.fr
Going further
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is public liability insurance for a dog?
It is the cover that pays for the damage your dog causes to others (bite, accident, property damage). For a non-categorised dog, it is most often already included in your home insurance: check your policy. For a categorised dog, a specific policy is compulsory.
My dog has bitten: who has to pay?
In principle you, or whoever had custody of the dog at the time (article 1243 of the Civil Code), through public liability insurance. You look after the victim first, then report it to your insurer. A bite also means a declaration at the town hall, whatever the dog.
Am I liable for damage my dog causes even without any fault?
Yes. An owner's liability is what the law calls "strict": you answer for the damage even without fault, and even if your dog was provoked or got loose. That is precisely why you need public liability insurance.
Does my home insurance cover my dog?
Most often yes for a non-categorised dog: the "private life" public liability section of your home insurance generally includes damage caused by your animal. It is not automatic though, so read your clause or ask your insurer for the certificate.
Who pays if my dog causes damage while someone else is looking after him?
While the dog is in someone's care (boarding kennel, trainer, friend), it is in principle that person who answers for the damage in the eyes of the law (article 1243 of the Civil Code), not you. All the more reason to check everyone's insurance and put things in writing before you leave your dog.
Do you need special insurance for a categorised dog?
Yes, and it is not the same thing as your home insurance: this specific policy is part of the ownership permit file, and going without it exposes you to a fine. It applies even if the person injured is a relative: the law counts members of your family as third parties (article L211-14, II, 1°, c, of the Rural Code).
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