What to do if you hit a dog while driving
In recent years, as the rate of pet ownership has increased, incidents of driving into dogs have also occurred from time to time. Faced with this situation, how should car owners handle it correctly? This article will give you a detailed analysis from three aspects: legal, ethical and practical operations.
1. Legal aspects

According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and related regulations, hitting a dog while driving is a type of traffic accident, and you must bear corresponding responsibilities according to the specific circumstances. The following is a brief description of the relevant legal provisions:
| situation | Division of responsibilities | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs off leash and unsupervised | The vehicle owner has no or minor liability | Article 1245 of the Civil Code |
| The dog is on a leash or supervised by the owner | The vehicle owner may bear primary responsibility | Article 76 of the Road Traffic Safety Law |
| Car owner escapes | The vehicle owner is solely responsible and may face administrative penalties. | Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Law |
2. Moral considerations
In addition to legal responsibilities, car owners should also properly handle such incidents from a moral perspective:
1.Stop and inspect immediately: Regardless of whether the dog has an owner or not, you should stop the vehicle to check the dog’s injuries to avoid secondary injuries.
2.Try to contact the owner: If the dog wears a collar or is marked, efforts should be made to contact the owner.
3.Rescue injured animals: If the dog is seriously injured, you can contact a nearby pet hospital or animal rescue organization.
3. Practical steps
Here’s what to do after hitting a dog:
| steps | Specific operations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Parking protection site | Turn on the double flashing lights and place warning signs | Keep yourself and other vehicles safe |
| 2. Record accident information | Take on-site photos and videos | Including dog status, vehicle location, etc. |
| 3. Alarm handling | Dial 122 or 110 | An accident certificate from the police is required |
| 4. Contact your insurance company | Provide proof of accident | Some auto insurance policies can cover damage caused by animal collisions |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to compensate for hitting a stray dog?
A: If the car owner is not at fault (such as driving normally and not violating traffic regulations), there is usually no need for compensation, but humanitarian assistance is recommended.
Q: What should a dog owner do if he demands high compensation?
A: It needs to be determined by the police or the court, and the amount of compensation should refer to actual losses (such as medical expenses, market value).
5. Preventive measures
1.Pay attention to the road: Slow down especially near residential areas and parks.
2.Install driving recorder: To facilitate the identification of accident liability.
3.Understand the insurance terms: Some car insurances add pet collision insurance.
From the above analysis, it can be seen that hitting a dog while driving requires legal, moral and humane treatment. Car owners should remain calm, resolve the situation properly in accordance with laws and regulations, and at the same time strengthen safety awareness to avoid similar incidents from happening.
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