Thanksgiving gatherings often include family pets roaming freely as guests arrive, plates pass around, and food fills every corner. While this adds warmth to the celebration, it can also create real safety risks. Florida sees an uptick in dog bites and animal-related incidents every holiday season, and even the friendliest pets can react unpredictably to crowds, noise, and rich aromas. Understanding your legal rights—and the homeowner’s responsibilities—can help you stay protected.
When Good Pets Turn Protective
Even calm dogs can become anxious or territorial when:
- Strangers enter their home wearing coats, hats, or strong scents.
- Children move quickly, chase pets, or try to hug them.
- Guests feed pets unfamiliar foods or play roughly.
- Loud noises (music, laughter, clanging dishes) overwhelm them.
Most holiday dog bites involve startled or stressed animals, not inherently aggressive ones.
Florida’s Strict Dog-Bite Liability Law
Florida Statute § 767.04 makes owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property.
This means:
- Victims don’t have to prove negligence—only that the bite occurred.
- Liability applies even if the dog never showed aggression before.
- “Beware of Dog” signs may reduce—but rarely eliminate—liability.
The owner is responsible for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma that result from the attack.
Food Toxicity and Pet Injuries to Guests
Pets can also become victims during Thanksgiving: many holiday foods are toxic to animals. However, when guests feed pets dangerous scraps—like turkey bones or onions—the pet’s owner may face costly vet bills or even liability disputes if the animal reacts violently afterward. Similarly, if a guest is bitten while feeding a pet without permission, the case may hinge on whether the homeowner provided adequate warnings.
What To Do After a Dog Bite or Animal-Related Injury
- Get medical attention immediately. Dog bites can cause infection and require documentation.
- Report the incident to local animal control or police.
- Take photos of injuries and the animal involved.
- Exchange contact and vaccination information with the pet owner.
- Avoid negotiating privately before speaking to an attorney—insurance companies often minimize payouts.
How Homeowners Can Prevent Holiday Incidents
- Keep pets in a separate room or crate when guests arrive.
- Post a sign or verbally warn visitors about pets.
- Avoid feeding pets near guests.
- Supervise children around animals at all times.
- Keep pet vaccinations and insurance current.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida follows comparative negligence, meaning fault can be shared. If a guest ignored warnings, provoked the animal, or was trespassing, their compensation may be reduced. However, hosts should still expect scrutiny if safety measures were lacking.
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
At Darfoor Law Firm, we’ve handled numerous holiday-related dog-bite and premises-liability cases across Florida. We work to:
✔ Investigate the incident and collect evidence.
✔ Deal with insurance providers.
✔ Seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and scarring.
✔ Protect homeowners facing unfair claims.
If a pet-related injury disrupts your Thanksgiving, contact Darfoor Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights—whether you’re a guest or a homeowner.
