A Guide to State and Local Pet Ownership Laws
For Arizona residents, dogs are more than pets—they’re family. But whether you live in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, Phoenix, or any other Arizona community, knowing your local laws on pet ownership is essential to avoid citations, neighbor disputes, or animal control involvement.
Below, Rideout Law Group breaks down how many dogs you can legally own in Arizona, including city-specific rules and what to do if you’ve been cited for exceeding the limit.
Arizona State Law: No Universal Dog Limit
Arizona does not impose a statewide cap on dog ownership. Instead, individual cities and counties determine:
- Maximum dogs allowed per household
- Licensing and kennel permit requirements
- Zoning and nuisance restrictions (noise, odor, sanitation)
Your city or county sets the rules. Always check with local ordinances to avoid penalties.
Maricopa County Dog Limits
Includes: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and more
In Maricopa County, regulations are driven by city zoning codes rather than county-wide limits.
General Rules:
- Most residential homes are allowed up to three dogs without a kennel permit.
- Kennel permits require zoning approval, annual inspections, and sanitation compliance.
- HOAs and property managers can set stricter limits (e.g., 2-dog maximum).
Phoenix:
City ordinance allows no more than three dogs over three months old per residence unless you obtain a kennel permit.
Scottsdale:
Similar to Phoenix, Scottsdale limits most homes to three dogs, but zoning, property size, and HOA rules may further restrict ownership.
Mohave County Dog Limits
Includes: Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Bullhead City
In Lake Havasu City, residents can keep up to four dogs per household without a kennel permit. Keeping more may require:
- A kennel permit
- Zoning compliance
- Health inspections and noise control measures
Rural Mohave County properties tend to be more flexible, but all dogs must still be vaccinated, licensed, and humanely cared for under county health laws.
HOA & Rental Restrictions
Even if your city allows 3–4 dogs, your HOA or landlord may have different rules, including:
- Two-dog maximum
- Breed or size restrictions
- Extra pet deposits or monthly fees
Check your lease or HOA bylaws before bringing home another dog.
Do You Need a Kennel Permit in Arizona?
You may need a kennel permit if:
- You own more dogs than your city allows
- Your dogs are used for breeding or business
- You live on rural or agricultural land with multiple animals
Permits may include:
- Annual inspections
- Higher fees
- Zoning compliance
- Sanitation and noise control
Operating without a required permit can lead to fines, removal of animals, or even criminal charges.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?
Violating local dog ownership limits can result in:
- Fines or civil citations
- Animal control involvement
- Mandatory reduction of pet numbers
- Nuisance violations for barking, odors, or waste
- In extreme cases, misdemeanor charges tied to unsafe or unsanitary conditions
Need Legal Help for a Dog-Related Citation in Arizona?
Whether you’ve been cited for owning too many dogs or are facing a dispute involving neighbors or animal control, Rideout Law Group is here to help.
🐾 We represent clients across:
- Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area
- Lake Havasu City and Mohave County
Our experienced attorneys understand Arizona’s complex pet and nuisance laws. Let us help protect your rights—and your pets.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225
📍 Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104
📞 Call us today for a confidential consultation:
- Scottsdale: (480) 584-3328
- Lake Havasu: (928) 854-8181
- Toll-Free: (833) 854-8181
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.