Who Is Liable if I’m Bitten by a Service Dog in Colorado?
Key Takeaways:
If you are bitten by a service dog in Colorado, you generally have the right to pursue compensation under the state’s strict liability dog bite statute, which applies even when the animal is highly trained. Colorado defines service dogs as animals individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, and emotional support animals do not qualify. While service dog owners are typically liable for bite injuries, exceptions may apply if the victim trespassed, provoked the dog or was performing a professional service involving the animal. Liability may also extend to property owners when unsafe conditions or known risks contributed to the attack. Because service dog cases involve unique legal distinctions – including differences between service dogs and police dogs – working with an experienced dog bite attorney is essential to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Service dogs play an important role in the lives of their owners. These dogs have undergone special training to perform tasks that help their owner navigate a disability. As a result, they are often granted access to public places other pets cannot enter, such as restaurants and shops. While service dogs are highly trained, there’s always the chance that they can attack if they’re provoked. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack involving a service dog, you are still entitled to recover compensation for your damages.
If you’ve been bitten by a service dog in Colorado, you may be wondering who is liable for your damages. In most situations, the service dog’s owner will be held liable in the event of an attack. Due to the special status of service dogs, it’s critical to work with an experienced dog bite attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected.
How Do Colorado Laws Define a Service Dog?
Under Colorado law, a dog can be classified as a service dog if it has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a disability. This definition aligns with the standards for a service dog that have been established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In order to be considered a service dog, the animal must:
- Be trained to perform specific tasks that assist a person with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability
- Be performing tasks that are directly related to assisting with the individual’s disability
In addition, dogs providing emotional support, comfort or companionship do not quality as a service animal. In order to be considered a service dog, the animal must perform specific trained tasks associated with addressing their owner’s disability. Simply providing emotional support, comfort or companionship does not constitute a task.
Service dogs in Colorado aren’t required to have a special certification or wear a special vest. However, they must remain under control and be housebroken.
Colorado Law Holds Owners of Service Dogs Liable
Colorado dog bite law adheres to a principle called strict liability which holds the dog’s owner accountable for any injuries that occur when the dog attacks another. This liability exists even when the dog bite attack wasn’t due to negligence. Service dogs are not exempt from strict liability standards because of their service status.
However, there are certain exceptions to this rule which may impact your right to compensation after being bitten by a service dog. The service dog’s owner may not be held liable if:
- You were trespassing on their property at the time of the dog bite attack
- You taunted or provoked the service dog
- You were bitten while performing a professional service involving the dog, such as a groomer, trainer or veterinarian
Different Liability Standards Apply to Police Dogs and Service Dogs
There is a common misconception that police dogs are considered service animals. Under Colorado law, there are important distinctions between the two types of animals. While service dogs provide assistance to individuals with a disability, police dogs are assisting law enforcement officers with the administration of their professional responsibilities.
In general, police dogs are excluded from Colorado’s strict liability dog statue while they are performing official duties. This means that if you are bitten by a police dog that is engaging in law enforcement work, you generally cannot recover damages for your injuries under this statute. You can still maintain other legal claims under state and federal law.
Property Owners May Be Held Liable in Certain Situations
While the service dog’s owner is generally the party primarily responsible for damages caused by a dog bite attack, there are certain situations where you may be able to hold a property owner liable for damages when the attack occurred on their property. Premises liability law requires that property owners provide safe conditions for their guests. This includes ensuring any animals on the property are properly controlled and not presenting a risk to guests.
Under premises liability law, property owners may potentially be held liable for your damages in an attack by a service dog if:
- The property owner knew the service dog was dangerous and still allowed the animal onto the premises
- The property owner’s actions created a dangerous situation that led to the dog bite attack
Pushchak Law Can Help if You’ve Been Bitten by a Service Dog
Due to the specific protections provided to service dogs, dog bite claims involving these animals can be more complex than other dog bite cases. It’s important to work with a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these cases. At Pushchak Law, we’ll make sure your rights are protected.
Brian Pushchak has made dog bite lawsuits a primary focus of his practice. He understands the unique issues impacting cases involving service dogs, and this specialized expertise is critical to your ability to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your injuries and maximize the value of your compensation.
Mr. Pushchak uses a unique Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you achieve the best possible outcome to your case. This approach keeps you in control throughout the process and ensures you have all the information necessary to be an active participant in your legal strategy. Mr. Pushchak will discuss your goals for the case and explain your rights in detail. While he will always recommend the best strategy to achieve your desired outcome, you will have the final say on how we handle your case. This helps keep Mr. Pushchak aligned with your goals at all times.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Pushchak Law serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas.
- Automobile Insurance Coverage - January 16, 2026
- 8 Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident Over Thanksgiving (Colorado) - January 16, 2026
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite Injury (Colorado) - January 16, 2026
Free Case Consultation
If you have been injured and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, take advantage of our free, no-obligation consultation. And if you have a viable case, there are no fees until we win.
Call 303.372.6145
