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Michigan: dog bite rules

Whether your state holds dog owners strictly liable for bites or follows the one-bite rule.

Single detailed source
Type of ruleStrict liability
How it worksStrict liability
LawMCL 287.351

Under strict liability the owner usually pays even if the dog never bit before; under the one-bite rule you must show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless. Provoking the dog or trespassing can bar or reduce recovery. Homeowners and renters insurance often pays dog-bite claims.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Michigan.

How Michigan compares

31 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Strict liability): Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Alaska: One-bite ruleAKMaine: Strict liabilityMEVermont: One-bite ruleVTNew Hampshire: Strict liabilityNHWashington: Strict liabilityWAIdaho: Strict liabilityIDMontana: Strict liabilityMTNorth Dakota: One-bite ruleNDMinnesota: Strict liabilityMNIllinois: Strict liabilityILWisconsin: Strict liabilityWIMichigan: Strict liabilityMINew York: MixedNYRhode Island: Strict liabilityRIMassachusetts: Strict liabilityMAOregon: Strict liabilityORNevada: One-bite ruleNVWyoming: One-bite ruleWYSouth Dakota: One-bite ruleSDIowa: Strict liabilityIAIndiana: MixedINOhio: Strict liabilityOHPennsylvania: Strict liabilityPANew Jersey: Strict liabilityNJConnecticut: Strict liabilityCTCalifornia: Strict liabilityCAUtah: Strict liabilityUTColorado: Strict liabilityCONebraska: Strict liabilityNEMissouri: Strict liabilityMOKentucky: Strict liabilityKYWest Virginia: Strict liabilityWVVirginia: One-bite ruleVAMaryland: MixedMDDelaware: Strict liabilityDEArizona: Strict liabilityAZNew Mexico: One-bite ruleNMKansas: One-bite ruleKSArkansas: One-bite ruleARTennessee: MixedTNNorth Carolina: MixedNCSouth Carolina: Strict liabilitySCDistrict of Columbia: One-bite ruleDCOklahoma: Strict liabilityOKLouisiana: Strict liabilityLAMississippi: One-bite ruleMSAlabama: Strict liabilityALGeorgia: MixedGAHawaii: MixedHITexas: One-bite ruleTXFlorida: Strict liabilityFL
  • Strict liability (31)
  • One-bite rule (13)
  • Mixed (7)

Also for Michigan: Claim deadlines in Michigan · Small claims limits in Michigan · Property division in Michigan · Shared fault rules in Michigan · Security deposit rules in Michigan · Eviction notice rules in Michigan · Property tax rates in Michigan · All Michigan rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from Nolo's 50-state dog-bite law table, with statute citations. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.