The maximum number of dogs or cats a resident can keep in their house in pet-friendly Arizona depends on the municipality in which he or she lives. This means that The Grand Canyon State does not have a specific law in place that regulate the number of pets a resident can own. In addition to county restrictions, landlords and housing associations also have their own policies regarding the number of pets allowed on their properties.
Housing Authority of Maricopa County, for example, allows no more than 2 pets, only 1 of which may be a dog on their properties. In addition, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Boxers are not permitted on HAMC’s properties. In this article, I have listed some Arizona cities and the number of dogs or cats their residents can have per household, as well as other dog and cat laws they must abide by.
1. Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County Code of Ordinances does not regulate the number of pets a resident can have, so long as the animals are well taken care of. However, cities in Maricopa County, AZ, have their own code regulating the number of pets a resident can keep in their residence. In the City of Phoenix, for example, keeping more than 10 dogs or cats in inhumane conditions is considered animal hoarding. A resident who commits animal hoarding in the City of Phoenix will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Intentional pet abandonment is prohibited within the city limits of Phoenix. In addition, it is unlawful for a resident to keep a dog that habitually barks or howls, thus disturbing the peace of another person within the City of Phoenix.
2. Tucson, AZ
In the City of Tucson, AZ, you can keep up to 8 pets (it could be 4 dogs and 4 cats or any combination thereof) in your house. Harboring lost pets is illegal in the city of Tucson. The running at large of dogs on sidewalks, alleys, parks or other public places is prohibited within the city.
The City Code requires that all dogs over the age of three months in the city of Tucson be vaccinated and licensed. Dogs are prohibited on school grounds, with exceptions for service dogs. Furthermore, Tucson dog owners are required to immediately remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited by their dogs on public and private properties.
3. Gilbert, AZ
The Town of Gilbert in Maricopa County, Arizona, allows residents to own as many dogs and cats as they can properly care for. However, no more than three dogs per owner are permitted in any off-leash dog areas within the Town of Gilbert. It is unlawful for a pet owner to keep a dog or cat that habitually makes noise, therefore causing annoyance or inconvenience to a neighbor in Gilbert Town. All dogs living in the Town of Gilbert must be licensed and before a license is issued for any dog, the owner must present a vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian.
No pet owner shall be permitted their dog to run at large within the Town of Gilbert. When outside its owner's property, a dog must be directly under the owner's control and on a leash not to exceed six feet in length. Furthermore, all pet owners in Gilbert Town are required to immediately remove and dispose of any solid waste deposited by their dog on public or private properties within the Town.
4. Peoria, AZ
The City of Peoria places no limit on the number of dogs or cats its residents can have at their homes. Peoria City, however, encourages responsible pet ownership and requires that pets are properly cared for and do not create unreasonable noises or smells. All dogs and cats must be registered with the City of Peoria. All dogs must be confined within an enclosure on the owner's property to prevent them from running at large.
5. Yuma, AZ
In the city of Yuma, the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, residents must obtain a kennel license to keep more than seven dogs or cats. All dogs and cats in Yuma must be vaccinated against rabies and obtain a license from any licensed veterinarian in the City. It is illegal for pet owners to keep a dog or cat that excessively barks, howls, or makes other noises during the day or night that disturbs the peace of any neighbor.
6. Goodyear, AZ
The City of Goodyear in Maricopa County, Arizona, allows residents to keep no more than four household pets per property. This means you can either have 2 cats and 2 dogs, 3 dogs and 1 cat, or 3 cats and 1 dog.
The city of Goodyear says it restricts residents from owning more than four pets because, oftentimes, too many pets lead to unsanitary conditions. The City Code requires that all dogs be on a leash when they are off of their owner's property. In addition, the City Code requires that all dogs and cats be kept in such a manner that they do not become a public nuisance.
7. Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, the county seat of Coconino County, AZ, allows residents to have a maximum of 4 dogs and cats over the age of four months on properties up to one acre in size. Residents are allowed to have 1 additional pet for each additional 1/2 acre, and up to a maximum of 10 household pets, per Coconino County Zoning Ordinance.
8. Prescott Valley, AZ
Located in Yavapai County, Arizona, the Town of Prescott Valley allows no more than four dogs per residence. The Town Code requires that all dogs three months of age or older be licensed. There is no limit on the number of cats a resident can have in the Arizona Town of Prescott Valley and cats are not required to be licensed.
9. Bullhead City, AZ
Bullhead City in Mohave County, Arizona, allows its residents to own no more than three cats and three dogs over four months of age per household. If you are moving to Bullhead City and have more than the number of pets allowed, you can apply for and obtain a "Pet Fancier" permit, which is offered by the city.
All dogs in Bullhead City, AZ, must be licensed and the license be worn by the dog at all times. Furthermore, the City Code requires that dog owners keep their dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet while in public places within the city.
Pet Ownership Restrictions in Other Arizona Cities
- San Luis, AZ: Allows 4 dogs. No limit on cats
- Sun City, AZ: Allows 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- City of Kingman, AZ: Allows no more than 3 pets
- Town of Fountain Hills, AZ: Allows no more than 4 pets
