Federal Report: Dog-Related Injury Claims Rise 19 Percent in 2024
A new report from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm reveals that dog-related injury claims in the U.S. rose nearly 19% in 2024 alone, reaching 22,658 claims nationwide. The findings underscore a growing public health and financial concern, with total claim payouts hitting $1.57 billion.
The report also notes a sharp increase in the average cost per claim—from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 in 2024—reflecting the severity and complexity of incidents. This upward trend is widespread and not limited to any specific region.
Experts point to several contributing factors, including a notable rise in dog ownership since 2020, with 45.5% of U.S. households owning at least one dog. The post-pandemic surge in pet adoption introduced many first-time dog owners, and this influx of inexperienced handlers—combined with changes in pet socialization—has likely contributed to the rise in dog-related incidents. Animal behaviorists cited in the report suggest that insufficient socialization for dogs acquired during lockdown periods could cause increased reactivity or aggression.
The report breaks down incidents by region, identifying several states that have experienced notable increases. California was cited as one of the states with a particularly significant spike in reported claims, reflecting a trend in other densely populated areas.
The report also highlights the rising financial impact. An analysis from the Insurance Information Institute shows the total value of these claims reached $1.57 billion in 2024. The average cost per claim increase is attributed to higher medical expenses and more complex cases requiring longer recovery times. Experts note that the financial stakes are higher in cases involving larger, more powerful breeds. The serious damage that can be inflicted by a dog with a Cane Corso bite force, for example, often leads to claims with substantial medical and rehabilitative costs.
This complexity makes it more challenging for victims to secure reasonable compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
