How Many Dogs Can You Have in Arizona?

While there’s no legal limit to how many dogs you can have in Arizona, there are rules around dog ownership that you need to follow.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
While there isn’t a specific law in place for how many dogs you can own in
Arizona
, there may be restrictions for you to follow depending on your county’s laws, landlord’s requirements, or housing association rules. 
Whether you live in
Phoenix
or
Tucson
, the Grand Canyon state has set laws for animal ownership, and failure to comply with these laws can result in some hefty fines and consequences.
To help you figure out which dog laws you should be aware of,
Jerry
, the
home insurance
broker and
super app
, has compiled this guide to legal dog ownership in Arizona.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

Does Arizona have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?

While there is no statewide law concerning how many furry friends you can take care of, the major determinant in how many dogs you can own in Arizona is the municipality wherein you reside. 
In
Maricopa County
, for example, there is no limit to the number of pets a resident can own, as long as the owner has the means and resources to take care of them. Make sure you’re not biting off more of that dog bone than you can chew, and ensure you can provide food, water, and shelter for any new pups you bring home.
It’s also important to ensure your dog is vaccinated and licensed by your county. Keep in mind that landlords and housing authorities may have specific restrictions in place concerning pet ownership. If you’re unsure, check with your local housing or police department.

Are there any dog breeds outlawed in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the only states that does not ban specific dog breeds. Breed-specific legislation has caused a variety of issues for families, communities, and dogs in the past, and can be both expensive and difficult to enforce. In fact,
this law
allows Pitbulls and other “dangerous dogs” to be protected from breed-specific regulations in Arizona. 
However, Arizona does require that owners of “aggressive dogs” (i.e. any dog that has bitten or has a history of biting a person or domestic animal without provocation) take steps to ensure the dog is:
  • Prohibited from escaping outside of the enclosed structure or area of their property
  • Prevented from biting or attacking while off the owner’s property
MORE: Can You Get Pet Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions?

What are the leash laws in Arizona?

While dogs always have their ways of slithering away from you at any whiff of a squirrel, it is your responsibility as the owner to ensure your pup is properly leashed. 
Under Arizona leash law, owners must abide by the following:
  • Female dogs in their breeding or mating season, along with vicious dogs, are not permitted off leash
  • Any dogs in quarantine for rabies shall not be permitted at large and must be confined within the owner’s property
  • Any dogs over 3 months of age must wear a collar or harness with a valid license tag attached 
  • Dogs are not permitted in any public park or school property unless restrained by a leash or enclosed in a car, crate, or similar enclosure 

Penalties for breaking dog laws in Arizona

The penalties for breaking dog laws can be devastating for both owners and dogs alike. For example, an unvaccinated dog that bites any person will be confined and quarantined in a pound or veterinary hospital at the expense of the owner for at least ten days.
In most dog bite cases, the owner is liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten. However, if the owner provides proof that the attack was provoked, they may use this as a reasonable defense against liability. 
Dog owners and custodians who fail to comply with Arizona dog laws can be found guilty of a civil violation with a civil sanction of $250, while any violation of the law after your dog has been determined as vicious is punishable by no less than a $5000 fine and imprisonment for no less than 5 days.

Where to find affordable insurance in Arizona

While your dog may be an expert at alerting you of any activity outside of your home, it’s still a good idea to protect you and your furry companion with
homeowners insurance
. With #1 rated super-app
Jerry
, you’ll be connected with competitive quotes from over 55 insurance providers.
Just download the app, enter your information, and you’ll be protected in no time.
The average Jerry user saves over $800 per year! With savings like that, you’ll be able to give your dog the care they need.
“I’m a college student, and I was struggling to find cheap car insurance. I was just about to buy insurance when I saw the
Jerry
ad. It literally saved me over $300 compared to what I would’ve purchased.” —Talia B.
Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Shop Now
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings