If you live in Arizona and have a dog or other pet, you might wonder if it’s legal to keep them tied up or chained outside. The answer isn’t simple.
While there’s no statewide law that fully bans tethering or chaining dogs, many cities in Arizona—like Phoenix and Tempe—have strict rules to protect animals from cruelty, injury, or extreme weather. Arizona also has state animal cruelty laws that can apply if a pet is kept in unsafe or neglectful conditions.
Let’s look at what the law says across Arizona and how it varies depending on where you live.
Arizona State Law on Tethering Pets
At the state level, there is no law that fully bans tethering or chaining dogs outside. However, Arizona has strict animal cruelty laws, which require all pets to be given clean water, enough food, proper shelter, and basic medical care.
If someone fails to meet these needs, especially when a dog is tied up in a way that causes suffering or harm, they can face criminal charges.
So, while it’s not automatically illegal to tether a dog under state law, it becomes illegal if the animal’s basic needs are not met.
Local Laws in Cities Like Phoenix and Tempe
Some cities in Arizona have gone beyond state law to create their own detailed rules. These local laws are much stricter, especially during the hot summer months.
Phoenix Tethering Laws
In Phoenix, it’s illegal to use chains to tie up dogs. Period. You also cannot tether a dog:
When the temperature is over 100°F or during severe weather (like storms or extreme heat alerts).
If the tether is too short or heavy, limits the dog’s movement, or causes pain.
If the dog doesn’t have access to clean water, food, shade, or proper shelter.
The minimum legal tether length in Phoenix is 10 feet, and it must not cause the dog to get tangled or trapped.
Tempe Tethering Laws
In Tempe, you cannot tether a dog outside if:
The temperature is below 45°F or above 85°F.
The dog is not being supervised while outdoors.
Tempe also requires shelter and care similar to Phoenix, with a focus on keeping animals comfortable and safe.
Other Cities and Counties
Other cities in Arizona may also have their own pet restraint rules. Many of them become stricter in the summer, when extreme heat is a serious risk to animals. Always check with your local city or county animal control office for exact rules.
What Happens If You Break the Law?
Breaking tethering rules can lead to:
Fines or citations from animal control
Criminal charges if the dog is injured or kept in unsafe conditions
Removal of the pet if the situation is serious
Local officers or humane organizations can step in if they believe a pet is being abused or neglected, even in areas where tethering isn’t banned outright.
Summary of Arizona Pet Tethering Rules
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main points:
Arizona does not ban tethering statewide, but animal cruelty laws still apply.
Chains are banned for tethering dogs in Phoenix and some other cities.
Dogs must always have shelter, shade, water, and food while outside.
Tethering is not allowed in extreme weather, such as high heat or cold.
Cities like Phoenix require a 10-foot tether minimum and ban any setup that limits movement or causes harm.
Neglect or cruelty charges can apply statewide if a pet is left in dangerous conditions.
In Arizona, whether it’s legal to tether your dog outside depends on where you live. While state law doesn’t completely ban the practice, it does require that animals be treated humanely.
Cities like Phoenix and Tempe have clear rules banning chains, limiting tethering during extreme temperatures, and requiring basic care like food, water, and shelter.
If you’re a pet owner in Arizona, it’s your responsibility to make sure your dog is safe, healthy, and not suffering while outside. Always check your local laws to make sure you’re doing the right—and legal—thing for your pet.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J4DPGszaWk
[2] https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/catalina-foothills-news/new-arizona-law-expands-restrictions-to-animal-cruelty
[3] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
