Arizona regulates leaving pets, especially dogs, chained or tethered outside through state statutes and stricter local ordinances. While no blanket statewide ban exists, tethering is largely unlawful except under narrow exceptions, with chains often prohibited in cities. Violations can lead to fines, misdemeanors, or jail time depending on location and severity.
Statewide Regulations
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-2914 makes it unlawful to tether a dog, defined as tying, chaining, or restraining it to a stationary object like a tree or dog house. Exceptions include when the owner is present, during brief errands, in required campgrounds, for licensed hunting, livestock protection, or transport.
For first-time violators, courts issue a warning and allow 30 days to switch to alternatives, provided the tether is at least 6 feet long, non-choking, under 1/8th the dog’s weight, allows access to food/water/shade, and isn’t used over 8-10 hours daily or in extreme weather (below 32°F or heat advisories). Repeat offenses are class 3 misdemeanors.
Pets must always have proper care under ARS 13-2910, including shelter, water, and protection from cruelty; chaining often violates this by causing entanglement or exposure.
Key City Ordinances
Phoenix bans chains entirely for outdoor restraint and requires tethers over 10 feet that don’t limit movement, provide necessities, or occur in extreme weather (over 100°F, below 32°F, or advisories). First fines start at $250; repeats bring 48+ hours jail and $1,000+ fines.
Pima County prohibits tie-outs like chains, ropes, or cables for confinement, mandating enclosed spaces for exercise instead. Tucson follows suit, banning tie-outs except for temporary horse tethering.
Tempe and Chandler restrict tethering to supervised, tangle-free setups between 45-85°F (Tempe) or banning in extreme weather (Chandler), with minimum 10-foot lengths.
| Jurisdiction | Chains Allowed? | Min. Length | Extreme Weather Ban? | Penalties |
|---|
Why These Laws Matter
Tethering risks injury from tangles, heat exhaustion in Arizona’s climate, attacks, or denied basics, often equating to cruelty. Humane groups like Arizona Humane Society urge indoor housing or secure yards.
SOURCES:
- https://www.azhumane.org/blog/break-the-chain-this-summer-dont-tether-your-pet/
- https://thewrangler.com/is-it-illegal-to-leave-your-pet-chained-outside-in-arizona-heres-what-the-law-says/2025/06/10/
