IA · Strict liability

Iowa dog bite law

Iowa owners are strictly liable when their dog injures a person or domestic animal, with narrow statutory exceptions.

Liability
Strict liability
Statute
Iowa Code § 351.28
Deadline to file
2 years · Iowa Code § 614.1(2)
Bites only?
Injuries more broadly

Two years. Farm and acreage bites still need identification of the owner and any farm or homeowners policy.

Exceptions insurers will mention

Unlawful acts by the victim; dogs affected by hydrophobia.

Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.

Similar liability rules

This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.