What state law in Arizona says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — bystanders may rescue
Arizona protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence.
Animals covered: An animal ("animal" means a mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian) For the purposes of 12-558.02, "domestic animal" means a dog, a cat or another animal that is domesticated and kept as a household pet.
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.
What the law says: All animals in Arizona vaccinated against rabies shall be vaccinated as prescribed in the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 2016 Part I Section A. This material is incorporated by reference, does not include any later amendments or editions of the incorporated matter, and is on file with the Department and the Office of the Secretary of State. A.A.C. R3-2-409
Arizona has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Any injury to person or damage to property (11-1020) Dog bite (11-1025)
Where: Dogs at large: Injury to any person or damage to any property by a dog while at large shall be the full responsibility of the dog owner or person or persons responsible for the dog when such damages were inflicted. (11-1020) Dog bite: On a public place or lawfully in or on a private place,…
Defences: Police/military dogs: Dog used in military or police work when dog defending itself or assisting the agency: apprehending a suspect investigation of a crime execution of a warrant defense of a peace officer or another person (11-1025) Provocation: Proof of provocation of the attack by the person injured shall be a defense to the action for damages. The issue of provocation shall be determined by…
Yes. Arizona lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2010) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
The 2010 Arizona amendments provided that, if a court issues an order of protection, the court may grant the petitioner the exclusive care, custody or control of any animal that is owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by the petitioner, the respondent or a minor child residing in the residence or household of the petitioner or the respondent, and order the respondent to stay away from the animal and forbid the respondent from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, committing an act of cruelty or neglect in violation of section 13- 2910 or otherwise disposing of the animal.
Arizona has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Arizona need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet, issued within 30 days of entry. A current rabies vaccination is also required.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
CVI required. Valid for 30 days.
Certificate must contain an original signature and document that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
All animals and poultry transported or moved into the state of, unless otherwise provided for in state regulation, must be accompanied by an official health certificate from the state of origin, and the documents must be in possession of the driver of the vehicle or person in charge of the animals.
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.
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.
