🪪 Do I need a dog license, and how much does it cost in Mesa?

Maricopa County licenses dogs in Mesa: every dog over three months old must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies — $22 a year if spayed or neutered, $55 if not, $10 for an altered dog of an owner 65 or older.

Source: A.R.S. § 11-1008; Maricopa County regulations · Get or renew a license →

🦮 Does my dog have to be on a leash in Mesa?

Letting a dog off leash outside your home or backyard is a criminal offense except at a lawful dog park, and service animals follow the same rule. In city parks the leash must be physical, no longer than six feet — electronic leashes don't count.

Source: Mesa City Code § 6-10-4

🔊 What counts as a barking dog violation in Mesa?

Barking dogs fall under the city's noise disturbance ordinance. Report them on 480-644-2211, option 2 (animal noise line).

Source: Mesa City Code § 6-12-2(D)

Not covered yet: pet limits — we only publish a rule when we can link to the official page. Ask Mesa 311 or animal services.

What Arizona state law adds

Dog licenses

Yes. Arizona requires dogs 3 months and older kept in the state for 30 days or more to be licensed by the county; proof of rabies vaccination is needed.

Official text · Compare all states →

Leash laws

Arizona requires a dog to be on a leash or in a car, cage or similar enclosure at a public school or park, and a female dog in heat may not be at large. Counties may ban dogs from running at large in unincorporated areas.

A.R.S. § 11-1012; § 11-1005 · Compare all states →

Rabies vaccine

Arizona requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies (proof is needed for the county dog licence); state law does not set a separate requirement for cats.

A.R.S. § 11-1010 · Compare all states →

Pet deposits

Arizona caps security, however it is labelled (including prepaid rent), at one and a half months' rent — so a "pet deposit" counts toward the cap.

A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) · Compare all states →

All Arizona pet laws →

Other cities in Arizona

All cities →

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change, often every year — the official page linked under each answer is the final word. Counties and homeowner associations may add their own rules.