So how did pet owners do in 2021?

While dog-related injury claims increased slightly, the increase wasn’t as high as many feared. In 2021, State Farm paid nearly $162 million dollars for over 3,260 dog-related injury claims. The number of claims increased slightly by 2.3% compared to 2020 data, while the amount paid increased by 3%.

State Farm is a member of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (April 10-16,2022) Coalition. The insurer joins the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (Triple I), American Humane, and dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell to draw attention to dog bites and ways to reduce injuries to people and pets.

Just like humans, dogs are individuals, and every dog has a unique personality. While a dogs’ breed may dictate how they look, how a dog reacts in a situation isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. It’s important to remember that even well-trained dogs can bite if they are put into the wrong situation. That is why State Farm does not ask about dog breed or type when providing homeowner, renters, or business insurance policies. Any dog can bite or cause injury, regardless of breed. Responsible pet ownership is key to reducing the risk.      
 

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Providing the Basics

Owning a pet is a privilege. There are a few basic needs that all pet owners should be able to provide for the health and safety of pets and the people around them.

• All dogs require food, clean water, and shelter. A frustrated dog that is hungry and uncomfortable is at a high risk to bite or attack people or animals.
• Most dogs need exercise and play for physical and emotional stimulation. For the safety of not only your dog, but for others as well, always walk your dog on a leash.
• Remind people to ask before reaching out and touching your dog. Don’t be afraid to say “my dog doesn’t want to be touched”.

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Pay Attention to Your Pet

Accidents happen when people aren’t paying attention.

• Be physically present with your dog when it is outside. A dog in the backyard can quickly jump over a fence or get loose if a gate is left opened.
• If you are walking your dog, put your phone in your pocket and pay attention to oncoming people or other dogs.
• Never leave a child alone with a dog, including the family pet. Your pet may react or startle at the fast movements of children playing, sounds of a baby crying, or the smell of food your toddler is snacking on.

Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting: Changes in Pet Health and Pain

Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. Routine visits to the vet may pick up on early signs of illness.

• If your dog’s behavior suddenly changes, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet and with a positive reinforcement dog trainer.
• If your dog becomes injured, be aware that they may bite when handled so be cautious if you need to lift or move an injured dog.

If you don’t have a pet medical insurance policy in place to cover illness or injury, talk to your State Farm agent or go online to learn how a Trupanion policy can help with medical expenses.

Where will you go? 

In many disasters, evacuation is part of the experience. Before a disaster strikes, locate the pet-friendly hotels in your surrounding areas. Collect their phone numbers and keep them in your disaster backpack so you can call and make the reservation. Also, if a disaster is imminent, as in an approaching firestorm or flood, make the hotel reservation before the evacuation. The hotel may give some type of disaster discount as a community service, so be sure to ask.

• Call local shelters in advance to find out if they provide emergency housing for evacuated pets.
• If you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. Consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency.
• Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives. Make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days.
• Animals have instincts about severe weather changes. They will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing pets inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
• Photos! Before disaster strikes, take photos of your pets and create simple flyers displaying their photo and your phone number in case you get separated. Save the flyers on your phone so you can email them to local pet businesses in case your pet goes missing.
• Identification! Make sure pets are micro-chipped and wearing a tag with your phone number.
• Plan your on-foot escape route in advance in case you can’t get to your car and have to walk or run.

Prepare a pet supply kit

It may not seem necessary today, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation, having the proper supplies (including food, medications, veterinarian contact, etc.) already packed and ready will be a huge help. 

Your pet disaster kit should include:

• A crate or carrier to transport your pet
• Cat litter and litter box
• Collars with ID tags (and remember to update your pet’s microchip information)
• An extra leash for each pet
• Towel, mat or pet bed for your dog to sit on
• Bottled water and collapsible water bowl
• Three-day food supply
• Toys and treats
• Medication (If your pet is diabetic, talk with your veterinarian about packing glucose paste in case you leave without his insulin)

In a sealed plastic baggie be sure to pack:

• Veterinary records and phone numbers
• Pet insurance information
• Microchip information
• Photos of your pets with missing pet flyers
• A list of pet-friendly hotels and resources with phone numbers
• Pet first aid kit which can be purchased at pet stores or assembled yourself. Include basic first aid items like self-clinging bandaging, gauze pads, antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, cool pack, thermometer, blunt-end scissors, saline solution, tweezers and a soft muzzle in case your dog needs treatment and becomes fear aggressive.

To help pet owners prepare for the unexpected, State Farm^® has expanded their alliance with Trupanion^®, the leading provider of medical insurance for pets. Customers in 50 states and the District of Columbia can now visit their State Farm agent or enroll online for Trupanion medical insurance for pets.