Animal ownership creates liability exposure because the owner may be held legally responsible if the animal injures another person or damages another person’s property. The most common exposure is bodily injury, such as a dog bite, a scratch, a person being knocked down, or an injury caused when someone tries to avoid the animal. There may also be property damage exposure, for example if an animal damages a neighbour’s fence, garden, livestock, vehicle, or personal property. The level of risk depends on the type, breed, size, temperament, training, and past behaviour of the animal. If the owner knew, or should have known, that the animal had aggressive or dangerous tendencies, the liability exposure becomes more serious. Owners are expected to take reasonable precautions, such as restraining the animal, using leashes, maintaining fences, posting warnings where appropriate, and complying with municipal bylaws. From an insurance perspective, personal liability coverage may respond to accidental injury or damage caused by pets, but insurers may restrict or exclude certain animals, breeds, commercial animal activities, or known dangerous animals.