What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone in Colorado: Laws, Liability, and What to Expect
April 28, 2026
Your dog has never shown an aggressive bone in its body — and then, in one unexpected moment, someone gets bitten. Whether it happened at the dog park, in your backyard, or on a neighborhood walk, the aftermath can feel overwhelming fast.
Colorado has some of the most specific dog bite laws in the country, and as an owner, understanding what happens next is critical — for your finances, your freedom, and your dog’s future. This guide walks you through exactly what the law requires of you, what you could face legally, and how to protect yourself going forward.
Important Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Colorado dog bite laws are complex and fact-specific. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your individual situation.
Colorado’s Liability Standard: Strict Liability vs. the One-Bite Rule
One of the most common misconceptions among dog owners is that if their dog has never bitten anyone before, they’re automatically protected from liability. This is known as the “one-bite rule,” and it applies differently from state to state. In Colorado, that assumption can get you into serious legal trouble.
Colorado does not follow the one-bite rule. Instead, Colorado applies strict liability in dog bite cases. As a Colorado dog owner, under the rule of strict liability you may be held liable for injury to another — even if you weren’t aware your dog was capable of biting someone — if this results in serious bodily injury. Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-124 imposes strict liability on dog owners for any injury caused by that dog. The person filing the claim does not need to prove that the dog owner knew the dog had the potential or propensity to cause harm to another.
Colorado is a unique dog bite law state. While most other states assign either strict liability or negligence under premises liability laws, Colorado utilizes a combination of the two. Understanding where your situation falls on that spectrum matters enormously.
What Counts as “Serious Bodily Injury”?
The statute defines “serious bodily injury” as a “bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree.”
If the injury does not meet the standard for a serious injury, you may still be able to recover under a negligence standard. The victim will have to prove that the dog owner failed to take reasonable care and the necessary precautions to protect others.
Key Insight: Under strict liability, the victim can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) without proving negligence. To recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, they must separately prove that you knew or should have known your dog was dangerous.
Defenses Available to Dog Owners
An owner is not liable where the victim is unlawfully on public or private property; where the victim is on the owner’s property and the property is clearly and conspicuously marked with one or more posted signs stating “no trespassing” or “beware of dog”; where the victim has clearly provoked the dog; where the victim is a veterinary health care worker, dog groomer, humane agency staff person, professional dog handler, trainer, or dog show judge acting in the performance of his or her respective duties; or where the dog is working as a hunting dog, herding dog, farm or ranch dog, or predator control dog on the property of or under the control of the dog’s owner.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining damages in personal injury cases, including dog bite cases. If a court finds that both the dog owner and the victim share some degree of fault for the incident, the compensation awarded to the victim may be reduced proportionally to their level of fault.
Your Immediate Legal Obligations After Your Dog Bites Someone in Colorado
The moments and days immediately following a bite incident are critical. Acting quickly and correctly can significantly affect both the legal outcome and the fate of your dog. Here is what you are required — and advised — to do.
Report the Bite
The bite must be reported in the city where the bite happened. If you’re from Colorado Springs but visiting friends in Boulder when your dog nips someone, the report would be filed in Boulder. Where you should call to report a dog bite depends on which county you live in. If you live in Denver, you should call Denver Animal Protection within 12 hours of suffering the bite. If you live in another county, you can call the county animal protection line and report the bite.
Cooperate With Animal Control — Carefully
When animal control reaches out to you, cooperate with them and provide vaccination records and licensing records, if and when you are asked. If you do not have them on hand, let the officer know you will contact your vet and provide a copy as soon as your vet gives it to you.
However, it is wise to consult an attorney before making any detailed statements. What you say to animal control can directly influence whether your dog receives a dangerous designation and whether criminal charges are pursued.
Prepare for a 10-Day Quarantine
When a dog bites someone in Colorado, state law mandates a 10-day quarantine for the animal, regardless of its vaccination status. To initiate this protocol, you must promptly report the bite to local animal control authorities. The quarantine period is used to observe the dog for signs of rabies and other health concerns.
Pro Tip: Keep your dog’s vaccination records current and easily accessible. Up-to-date rabies documentation can streamline the quarantine process and demonstrate responsible ownership, which may help your case.
Document Everything
Even as the dog owner, thorough documentation works in your favor. If your dog does get involved in a dog bite incident, it’s important to take videos and pictures. Also, note the time and place of the incident as well as details regarding what happened. Even if the case is extremely minor, it’s important to document everything, as it could be used to help your case in the future.
Note any context that might support a defense — whether the victim entered without permission, whether your dog was provoked, or whether warning signs were posted. This information becomes valuable if the situation escalates legally.
What Happens to Your Dog After a Bite in Colorado
Beyond the legal consequences for you as the owner, your dog’s fate is also at stake after a bite incident. The outcome depends heavily on the severity of the bite, your dog’s history, and how the legal proceedings unfold.
The 10-Day Quarantine Period
Domestic pets will be quarantined for 10 days. This quarantine may be served at home or at an animal control facility, depending on local rules and the circumstances of the bite. During this time, the dog is monitored for rabies symptoms. If vaccinations are current and no symptoms appear, the dog is typically released at the end of the period.
When Confiscation Becomes a Factor
If a judge finds the owner guilty — or if the owner pleads guilty — of misdemeanor or felony charges in a case involving serious bodily injuries, death, or a second instance of a less-severe bite, local animal authorities confiscate the dog and place it in a shelter at the owner’s expense. Cases of deferred and delayed judgment result in the same scenario. The owner then has the opportunity to appeal the court’s decision. At this time, the dog remains in the care of the authorities until the court approves or denies the appeal.
The Risk of Euthanasia
Unfortunately, if the court upholds the judgment, a judge can order the euthanization of the animal by a court-ordered veterinarian. In any case in which it is alleged and proved that the dog owner had knowledge or notice of the dog’s viciousness or dangerous propensities, the court, upon a motion made by the victim or the personal representative of the victim, may enter an order that the dog be euthanized by a licensed veterinarian or licensed shelter at the expense of the dog owner.
Euthanasia occurs at the owner’s expense and must be performed by a licensed shelter or qualified veterinarian. This outcome is not automatic — it is typically ordered in cases involving serious injury, death, or a dog with a documented history of aggression.
Common Mistake: Assuming that because your dog has never bitten before, euthanasia is off the table. If the bite causes serious injury and you are found guilty of criminal charges, confiscation and potential euthanasia are real possibilities under Colorado law.
Dangerous Dog Designation and What It Means for You in Colorado
A “dangerous dog” designation in Colorado is a formal legal label that carries significant, ongoing consequences. The state of Colorado believes that dangerous dogs, which are animals that have attacked without provocation, are a serious and widespread threat to the safety of its citizens. Colorado has drafted strict rules designed to punish dog owners who ignore their dog’s dangerous propensities.
What Triggers a Dangerous Dog Label?
If the dog has previously shown the potential to cause severe injuries by biting in a less severe manner or training for dog fighting, the owner must register the dog on a dangerous dogs directory. Dangerous dogs are listed on a statewide registry, and if dogs cause serious bodily injuries or death after receiving such a designation, their owners may be charged with a misdemeanor or even felony violations.
Ongoing Requirements for Owners of Dangerous Dogs
Once your dog is officially designated as dangerous, you face a set of strict ongoing obligations. Once a dog is declared dangerous, the owner is expected to keep the dog in an escape-proof enclosure on the owner’s property and to be muzzled if not inside.
If the dog is not euthanized, there may be several conditions that must be met including, among other things: keeping the dog in an escape-proof area; keeping the dog on a leash; getting a microchip inserted; posting signage on the property about the dogs; or requiring that the dog wear a muzzle.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Secure enclosure | Escape-proof structure on owner’s property at all times |
| Muzzle in public | Required whenever the dog is outside the enclosure |
| Leash | Must be leashed at all times when outside the enclosure |
| Microchip | Mandatory identification chip required |
| Property signage | Posted warning signs required on the owner’s property |
| Statewide registry | Dog listed on Colorado’s dangerous dog registry |
Each city and county in Colorado can have its own dog control rules. Colorado Springs, for example, has specific requirements for leashes, dangerous dog designations, and what owners are responsible for. These local laws can really affect your case, so you’ll want to check out what rules apply in your specific area. If you own a dog that has been designated dangerous, you should also check with your local Colorado county resources for jurisdiction-specific rules that may apply beyond state law.
Important Note: Violating the conditions of a dangerous dog designation — such as failing to muzzle or properly confine your dog — can result in additional criminal charges on top of any already pending.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Liability in Colorado
One of the most pressing concerns after a dog bite incident is the financial exposure you face. The good news is that insurance often plays a central role. The less reassuring reality is that coverage is not guaranteed — and gaps can leave you personally on the hook for significant amounts.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Most dog bite claims are covered under the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Coverage limits typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more. The important thing to understand in any dog bite case is that bite victims typically file claims to recover compensation from owners’ insurance providers rather than from the dog owners themselves. Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies typically have special provisions for injuries and damages caused by dog bites.
If the cost of a dog bite injury claim exceeds the limits of a particular insurance policy, however, the owner may be responsible for any expenses above the policy’s liability limit. This is where personal financial exposure becomes real — particularly in cases involving serious injury, surgery, or long-term disability.
Breed Exclusions: A Major Caveat
Not all dogs are covered equally. Homeowners and renters insurance policies often cover dog bites, although not all dog breeds are insurable. Breeds such as Pitbull and Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Great Danes, Perro de Presa Canario, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Siberian Huskies are often excluded by insurance providers. Getting attacked by an uninsurable dog means that a lawsuit may be required in order to recover all damages associated with your injuries.
Lots of insurance companies refuse to cover certain breeds. You might think you are covered only to find out later that you are not. When that happens, the injured party will pursue an action against you personally. It is strongly worth reviewing your policy before an incident occurs, not after.
What Economic Damages Can a Victim Recover?
Under Colorado’s strict liability statute, a victim may recover economic damages. Economic damages compensate for the financial losses directly resulting from the dog bite. These include medical expenses, covering the cost of medical treatment including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any anticipated future medical care required due to the injury. Lost wages can also be sought for the income lost during the recovery period. If injuries affect the victim’s ability to work in the future, they may also claim lost earning capacity.
The dog bite statute does not entitle a victim to receive general damages for intangible losses referred to as “noneconomic loss,” which includes pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional stress, and impairment of the quality of life. To recover full compensation for pain and suffering, a dog bite victim has to prove that the defendant was negligent or should have known that the dog had the tendency to bite people.
If you do not have adequate coverage, your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance can typically handle a claim and pay it out. But if you do not have insurance, your assets will be at risk in a lawsuit. Talking to an agent now — before any incident — is one of the most responsible steps you can take as a dog owner. You might also want to review how liability compares in other states like Florida to understand just how state-by-state variations can shift your exposure.
Pro Tip: Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy today. Confirm it covers your specific dog breed and understand your coverage limits. If your breed is excluded, ask about umbrella policies or stand-alone pet liability coverage.
Criminal Charges for Dog Bites in Colorado
Beyond civil liability, Colorado law gives the state the authority to bring criminal charges against you as a dog owner — regardless of whether the victim also files a civil lawsuit. In addition to the civil suits brought by dog attack victims, criminal charges are possible as well. Understanding the criminal side of Colorado’s dog bite framework is essential for any owner navigating the aftermath of a bite.
The Dangerous Dog Statute: C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5
In Colorado, dog owners may face legal consequences under C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5 for owning a dangerous dog that causes harm. Colorado’s dog bite statute is a strict liability statute; for Colorado dog owners, this means if your dog bites someone you could be held liable, even if you were unaware that your dog was dangerous, aggressive, or capable of the offense — and even if you tried to restrain the dog.
Criminal Charge Levels and Penalties
A person who owns or has some controlling interest in a dangerous dog will face the following charges: if the dog inflicts a bodily injury — Class 2 misdemeanor; if the dog inflicts a serious bodily injury — Class 1 misdemeanor; if the dog inflicts a second (or more) serious bodily injury — Class 6 felony.
If the dog causes the death of a person, the owner could face felony charges, with punishment ranging from steep fines to prison time. These charges range from a fine of $50 to $750 and/or up to six months in jail for first-time, non-aggravated, non-serious injuries, and go as far as $1,000 to $100,000 and/or one year to three years in prison for injuries that cause death.
| Offense | Charge Level | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Dog causes bodily injury (first offense) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Fine of $50–$750 and/or up to 6 months jail |
| Dog causes serious bodily injury (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Higher fines, potential jail time |
| Dog causes serious bodily injury (second or subsequent) | Class 6 Felony | Significant fines, 1–3 years prison |
| Dog causes death of a person | Class 5 Felony | Fines of $1,000–$100,000 and/or prison |
| Dog injures or kills a domestic animal | Class 3 Misdemeanor | Fines and potential jail time |
Restitution Is Almost Always Required
Punishment typically always requires the owner to pay restitution. In the case where the dog harms a person, restitution covers out-of-pocket medical expenses, plus any anticipated future expenses. Similarly, if the dangerous dog destroys property, the owner will likely pay restitution for the fair market value or replacement value of the property.
Statute of Limitations for Criminal Charges
The statute of limitations for a dog bite in Colorado can vary. Generally, the statute of limitations for misdemeanor cases in Colorado is 18 months. The statute of limitations for a felony case is three years. That means the state has up to 18 months, or three years from the date of the alleged crime occurring, to file charges against the dog’s owner or caretaker if the prosecution believes the person is criminally liable for the injury.
Important Note: Criminal charges and civil lawsuits can proceed simultaneously. A victim filing a civil claim does not prevent the state from also pursuing criminal prosecution — and vice versa. If your dog has bitten someone and you are contacted by authorities, consult a defense attorney immediately.
Navigating the criminal side of a dog bite case is not something to handle alone. If your dog has bitten someone, you may face criminal charges from the State of Colorado for owning a dangerous dog. If you are facing criminal charges, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect both yourself and your dog. The stakes — your record, your finances, and your dog’s life — are simply too high to leave to chance.
Being a responsible dog owner in Colorado means more than providing food and shelter. It means understanding the full legal weight that comes with owning an animal capable of causing injury. Whether your dog has bitten someone or you simply want to be prepared, knowing these laws puts you in a far better position to respond calmly, quickly, and wisely. For more on caring for your dog responsibly, explore topics like safe foods for dogs and the types of meat dogs can safely eat — because responsible ownership starts long before any incident occurs.