What to Do If You Hit a Dog With Your Car

1 Don’t Leave the Scene

A traffic accident is injury or property loss on a road. A stray isn’t personal property, so hitting one isn’t a traffic accident—but a pet dog is someone’s property, so it is. Fleeing can be hit-and-run: 12 points and a 2,000-yuan fine. Always stop, call the police, and report to your insurer; cameras will catch you otherwise.

2 Liability and Pricing

You may not have to pay. Ask for the dog license; without one the dog isn’t proven legal property. Fault splits by leash: leashed + careful owner = usually driver fault; off-leash = owner fault; off-leash dog + illegal driving = shared fault, settled by mediation or court.

Price the dog by its license and breed/value papers; if the owner can’t show them, you may refuse payment. Use documents and third-party assessment—never settle privately, and involve police, vets, or local authorities. If a dog darts out, don’t swerve hard; brake and accept the hit to keep control.