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Tennessee: dog bite rules

Whether your state holds dog owners strictly liable for bites or follows the one-bite rule.

Single detailed source
Type of ruleMixed
How it worksLiable in public places or where the injured person was lawfully present
LawTenn. Code 44-8-413

Under strict liability the owner usually pays even if the dog never bit before; under the one-bite rule you must show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless. Provoking the dog or trespassing can bar or reduce recovery. Homeowners and renters insurance often pays dog-bite claims.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Tennessee.

How Tennessee compares

7 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Mixed): Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina.

Alaska: One-bite ruleAKMaine: Strict liabilityMEVermont: One-bite ruleVTNew Hampshire: Strict liabilityNHWashington: Strict liabilityWAIdaho: Strict liabilityIDMontana: Strict liabilityMTNorth Dakota: One-bite ruleNDMinnesota: Strict liabilityMNIllinois: Strict liabilityILWisconsin: Strict liabilityWIMichigan: Strict liabilityMINew York: MixedNYRhode Island: Strict liabilityRIMassachusetts: Strict liabilityMAOregon: Strict liabilityORNevada: One-bite ruleNVWyoming: One-bite ruleWYSouth Dakota: One-bite ruleSDIowa: Strict liabilityIAIndiana: MixedINOhio: Strict liabilityOHPennsylvania: Strict liabilityPANew Jersey: Strict liabilityNJConnecticut: Strict liabilityCTCalifornia: Strict liabilityCAUtah: Strict liabilityUTColorado: Strict liabilityCONebraska: Strict liabilityNEMissouri: Strict liabilityMOKentucky: Strict liabilityKYWest Virginia: Strict liabilityWVVirginia: One-bite ruleVAMaryland: MixedMDDelaware: Strict liabilityDEArizona: Strict liabilityAZNew Mexico: One-bite ruleNMKansas: One-bite ruleKSArkansas: One-bite ruleARTennessee: MixedTNNorth Carolina: MixedNCSouth Carolina: Strict liabilitySCDistrict of Columbia: One-bite ruleDCOklahoma: Strict liabilityOKLouisiana: Strict liabilityLAMississippi: One-bite ruleMSAlabama: Strict liabilityALGeorgia: MixedGAHawaii: MixedHITexas: One-bite ruleTXFlorida: Strict liabilityFL
  • Strict liability (31)
  • One-bite rule (13)
  • Mixed (7)

Also for Tennessee: Car insurance by state in Tennessee · Claim deadlines in Tennessee · Small claims limits in Tennessee · Total loss rules in Tennessee · Shared fault rules in Tennessee · Accident reporting rules in Tennessee · Phone-while-driving laws in Tennessee · Motorcycle helmet laws in Tennessee · All Tennessee rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from Nolo's 50-state dog-bite law table, with statute citations. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.