What to Do If You Hit a Dog With Your Car

Never drive off—leaving the scene of hitting a pet dog can count as hit-and-run (12 points, a 2,000-yuan fine). Stop, call police, and notify your insurer. A stray isn't personal property so it's not a traffic accident, but a pet dog is, so you may owe compensation. Liability depends on the leash: a leashed dog with a careful owner usually means driver fault; an off-leash dog often means owner fault; both at fault (off-leash dog, illegal driving) means shared fault. Always ask for the dog license and proof of breed/value; price via documents and third-party assessment, never settle privately.