Arizona Leash Laws

Arizona has no general statewide leash law, but several state statutes restrict dogs running at large in specific situations, and local governments fill in the rest.

Arizona leash law at a glance

What Arizona state law says

• A.R.S. 11-1001(2) treats a dog as at large when it is not confined or leashed.
• Counties may prohibit dogs running at large in unincorporated areas (11-1005(A)(4)).
• In a rabies quarantine area, dogs must be enclosed or on a leash no longer than 6 feet (11-1012(B)).
• Dogs on parks and school property must be leashed or enclosed (11-1012(D)).
• County penalties can reach $500 civil or a class 2 misdemeanor.

Local leash ordinances

Most leash rules people run into are local. Cities and counties commonly require dogs to be on a leash off the owner's property, set maximum leash lengths, and designate off-leash dog parks. Parks, beaches and trails often post their own rules.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of Arizona dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Arizona dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws