Two dog attacks weeks apart highlight the dangers agents face. Before you knock on the door, safety trainer Tracy Hawkins says you need a safety plan.
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Many agents underestimate the importance of a security plan before setting foot on anyone’s private property. In addition to being prepared for dangerous personnel situations, agents also need to be prepared for potentially dangerous pets and even dangerous environmental exposures.
Two agents learned this the hard way in February, with separate incidents occurring just weeks apart. events in iowa Another one is in Western Australia Both involve aggressive dogs doing their job, protecting property, while agents are trying to do their job, inspecting property.
It turns out that these were not just isolated incidents; in fact, 2023 is Dog attacks hit record high. While there are many opinions on this topic, there are undoubtedly several ways to increase your safety before these encounters occur. Let’s take a look at what’s going on with these agencies and some solutions that can help protect you from potential dog attacks while working in the field in the future.
The survival story of 2 real estate agents
Real estate professionals often encounter family pets without any problems. However, pets can sometimes pose dangers that require awareness and a preventive safety plan. In Iowa, a real estate agent (via concealed carry) shot a dog in self-defense after the dog escaped from its leash.
In Western Australia, an agent was attacked by a dog after the owner gave instructions to visit the property but failed to warn that an aggressive dog was there. Both incidents highlight the dangers of working in unpredictable environments.
Let’s understand the dangers and implement workable solutions, allowing agents to demonstrate their value by protecting themselves and consumers.
awareness and preparation
Real estate agents should ask about pets or exotic and potentially dangerous animals before scheduling a showing. They should check the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listing annotations for any warnings.
Likewise, agents who have animals on their property should alert other agents. Understanding the types and behaviors of animals they may encounter can help agents prepare and advise buyers accordingly.
Stories of encounters with family pet wolves, aggressive goats and other farm animals, rodents and reptiles, including snakes, illustrate the variety of potential dangers agents may face.
Animal Encounter Safety Procedures
Develop and follow safety protocols, including how to approach animals on the property and what to do if an attack occurs. Training on wildlife behavior in rural areas or farm communities can be very valuable.
communicate effectively
Agents must communicate with homeowners to ensure pets are safely contained or not present during showings to minimize risk to all parties involved.
In Iowa, an agent ended a house tour when he asked to see the basement, where an Australian shepherd-beagle mix was housed during the tour. The dog broke away from its owner and leash and rushed toward the agents. Agents with a concealed carry permit shot the dog.
The owner said the dog posed no threat, but witnesses said they saw agents kicking the aggressive dog away before shooting it. The dog was seriously injured but survived. Prevention is the best option, as there is always the possibility of litigation from either party in these situations.
Keeping pets safe during viewings
Sellers should be advised to remove or safely restrain pets during property showings, whether or not they are present. This reduces the risk of accidents or conflicts between pets and visitors.
A WA real estate agent visited the property in the absence of the owner. He was not warned of the dogs and no warning signs were posted. Two of the three dogs suddenly attacked him, causing serious injuries, crushing his bones and tearing his flesh.
During his rehabilitation, he used crutches and a wheelchair. The aggressive dogs even scratched and damaged his car after he climbed on the bonnet to avoid them.
Legal knowledge and disclosure
It is important to know your local laws regarding pets and exotic animals. Agents can advise homeowners to check local pet compliance rules before putting their home on the market and opening it to the public.
To mitigate potential liability, agents should instruct homeowners to discuss their potentially dangerous pets with their insurance companies and attorneys. Their insurance agent can make sure they have the appropriate liability coverage based on the type of pet and the risk they are taking on.
Charlie Lee, senior counsel and director of legal affairs for the National Association of Realtors, recommends agents tell sellers to remove potentially dangerous animals from the property. “If that’s not possible, they must ensure that everyone who enters is aware of the animal’s presence.”
emergency response plan
Have a clear plan for responding to an animal attack, including an emergency contact number and a first aid kit in your car.
Use technology
Virtual tours can replace physical displays, reducing the risk of animal encounters. They can also help agents be more productive, as we’ve learned during the pandemic. Agents can virtually preview multiple properties during a virtual meeting and quickly eliminate properties that are not a good fit for the client.
final thoughts
Through these measures, real estate agents can protect themselves and help create a safer environment for buyers and sellers, minimizing the liability risks associated with pets in a property. These proactive measures are critical to avoiding accidents and can help agents demonstrate their value through safety leadership.
Tracey Hawkins is a former international real estate agent security expert, lecturers and keynote speakers.contact her LinkedIn or Instagram.
