Your dog Fido and your condo insurance

You'd be surprised how many people own pets in apartments and condos. It might seem like a daunting task, but having a cat or dog in a condo isn't impossible! The tricky part comes when you're looking for dog-friendly condos, especially given the already complicated housing market and the many condo units available that include a "no pets" clause.

But if your condo allows dogs, what do you need to know? Does your condo insurance cover pets? And if so, are there any exceptions you should be aware of? We answer all your questions about condo insurance and your beloved dog in this article.

For the most part, your liability coverage will include your pet.

Generally, yes, your condo or tenant insurance will include coverage for your pet. This depends on your insurance provider, the type of dog or cat you own, and the coverage you choose.

If your dog or cat causes property damage or injures someone else, your liability coverage will typically include claims of that nature. Many condo or tenant insurance policies offer some form of pet liability coverage, which essentially covers your personal legal risk if your dog chews your neighbor's antique table or bites the delivery person.

Keep in mind that veterinary visits for your pet are not included in tenant or condo insurance. As the pet owner, you must pay your veterinary bills or purchase pet insurance (which is separate and not included in any type of homeowners insurance). While coverage may be limited for pets, the most expensive claims are usually liability claims—which (depending on your dog, the policy, and the provider) are generally covered.

However, there are exclusions:

Certain dog breeds may be excluded from tenant or condo insurance. If you want their legal risk covered, you'll need to purchase separate coverage, i.e., through a personal umbrella policy. Why? Because some animals are considered to have a higher reputation for causing property damage or pose a greater risk of biting. You might argue that your aunt's Chihuahua is more likely to bite than your friendly Doberman, but the medical damage a Doberman could inflict would be far greater than that caused by a Chihuahua.

• Some exclusions include:
• Exotic animals, that is to say wolves, monkeys, reptiles, or others.
• Certain dog breeds. Each insurer will have a different list, which you may need to discuss with them to see if your dog is on it.

Dogs at high risk of biting or dogs with a history of biting. Some dog breeds that are generally excluded from tenant or condo insurance include:

• Rottweiler
• Staffordshire errier
• Pitbull type dogs
• German Shepherds
• Cane Corso

Of course, always check with your insurance broker to see if this applies. If you think your dog Fido might be excluded from your liability coverage, call your provider.

What you need to know about dog bites

Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs. If your dog causes damage or injury, you are technically the only one who bears full responsibility. Without insurance, this cost would come out of your own pocket. However, in some parts of Canada, there is a "bite discharge" rule where, if your dog bites someone unexpectedly without a prior history of aggression, it may be exempt from liability.

However, what must be taken into account in bite situations are the different factors such as whether the dog was provoked, whether it is a dangerous breed, whether it was off-leash, whether it was protecting someone, or whether it was on its owner's property or not.

It is also important to note that your dog remains your responsibility if it bites someone during a walk with a dog walker or with a kennel (without a waiver being signed) or with a sitter.

Finally, some dogs simply don't thrive in condos or apartments—or any other place without a large yard and plenty of space to roam! Below is a list of some dogs that adapt well to apartment or condo living.

Dog breeds that thrive in condos and apartments -

If you live in an apartment and desperately want the companionship of a dog, all is not lost. There are many dog breeds well-suited to apartment living.

Some dogs that are accepted in apartments or condos include:

• Pug
• Greyhounds
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• German Spitz
• Shih Tzu
• French Bulldog

Of course, it always depends on the individual dog! Sometimes there are variations within certain breeds that you wouldn't expect, and any dog is capable of having a history of biting. The best way to prevent a lawsuit regarding your friend's behavior is to train your dog well, exercise them daily, and condition them to wear a muzzle if you think they pose a biting risk! For dogs that may be prone to reactivity, either towards humans or other dogs, muzzles protect both the other party and your dog—and they can help prevent a potentially huge lawsuit later on.

Keeping a pet in an apartment may seem like a daunting task and a potential liability, but with proper management, training, and care, it's doable. Contact your insurance provider to discuss condo or tenant insurance and see if your personal liability coverage includes your dog, cat, or other pet.