Can I Keep A Lost Dog In Arizona?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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By law,

the county shelter is only required to hold a lost or stray dog for 72 hours

. After that time, the dog becomes the county’s property.

What should I do if I find a found dog in Arizona?


Take the animal to a local veterinarian or shelter and ask for the animal to be scanned for a microchip

. If you can safely contain the dog, call us (602 506-PETS) and we will pick it up from your location. You can also use our online form to report a stray.

How long before a dog is legally yours in Arizona?

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control also follows the

six-day

rule when it comes to owner’s surrendering a dog. Even if you pick a dog up as a stray, after six days, they consider it yours.

Can you get in trouble for losing a dog?

Here are some laws you should know in case your pet is lost:

A loose dog or cat may be legally seized or impounded by local animal authorities, especially if the animal is without identification tags

. In most states, an animal found with no tags is considered “abandoned property” and becomes property of the state.

What do you do if your dog is lost?

  1. Check for tags. Look for an ID with their pet parent’s contact information. …
  2. Talk to your neighbors. …
  3. Visit a vet. …
  4. Pay attention to lost pet fliers. …
  5. Check classifieds and social media. …
  6. Take them to a local animal shelter.

How do I transfer ownership of my dog in Arizona?

To transfer the ownership of a dog with a current Maricopa County license and tag from a previous owner to yourself, please

remit this completed application and your check or money order for $5.00 made payable to Animal Care & Control

. Mail to: Animal Care & Control PO Box 52014, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2014.

Can I steal my dog back from my ex?

We often receive the question, can I sue my ex for stealing my dog? The answer is

yes!

Disputes over pets are very common in small claims court.

Does Arizona have a leash law?

› Arizona Leash Law


Dogs must be on a leash not more than six feet long and directly under the owner’s control when not on the owner’s property

. Dogs on public or public school property must be “restrained by a leash, [or] enclosed in a car, cage or similar enclosure.”

How many dogs can you own in AZ?

Residents may own

a maximum of 2 pets, only 1 of which may be a dog

. In the case of fish, residents may keep no more than can be maintained in a safe and healthy manner in a tank holding up to 20 gallons.

What is Straydar?

AZ Straydar: noun, (stra-dahr): The unintentional ability to spot stray or unaccompanied dogs or cats when driving, walking or during one’s lunch hour at work, prompting the need to always have a leash and pet treats in the auto.

What do you do with a stray dog at night?

  1. Keep him in a room or the garage away from any kids or other pets in the house.
  2. A room with a tiled or wooden floor would be ideal to keep him it as it would be easy to clean up if he makes a mess.
  3. Make sure he doesn’t have access to toxic household chemicals or plants.

What do you do with a stray dog in Tucson?


Contact local shelters

.

Submit a ‘found report’ to the Humane Society (520) 327-6088 (or file online) and PACC (520) 724-7222 (or text FOUND to 833- 552-0591 and instructions will follow) or file online. They can check the lost pet reports and if the owner calls later they will give them your phone number.

Can I keep a dog if I find it?

It can be tempting to just give the pet a new name and make him part of your family, but that’s not the right thing to do—and

in most places, it’s illegal

. Most municipalities require that found dogs be reported to animal control and may have other laws about what must happen if you find a stray pet.

Should I report lost dog to police?


Contact the police if you think your dog has been stolen

. The police will pick up stray dogs if they are found chasing or worrying livestock, but in all other cases stray dogs are the responsibility of the local authority (as above).

Where do dogs go when police take them?

The costs of police dogs are lower as they are kept with their handlers, unless they are on annual leave.

Most forces have their own kennels to house police dogs, although some smaller forces use private kennels

.

How long can a dog survive when lost?

The answer to this question depends on case to case, but

most lost dogs do not stay lost for more than half a day

. According to the ASPCA, 93% of lost pups are eventually recovered by their owners and there is a 90% chance of finding your lost pup within the first 12 hours of it going missing.

Do microchips in dogs have GPS?

But remember,

the common microchip for dogs does not contain GPS technology

and you won’t be able to track your dog with it. On the other hand, you can buy a GPS dog tracker for $49 + subscription fee and track your dog anywhere, anytime.

Why did my dog run away?

Why Dogs Escape


Your dog might figure out a way to take off if they are bored

. Maybe you left them alone for a long time and they are lonely. Or they may have lots of energy to use up because they don’t have toys or other dogs to play with. Or maybe they are having more fun somewhere else.

Do dogs need a license in Arizona?

It’s the law.

In Maricopa County,

all dogs over three months of age are required by law to be licensed

and vaccinated against rabies.

Is it illegal to chain a dog up in Arizona?


The new law prohibits tethering animals with a rope, chain or leash that is 10 feet or less to a stationary object and then walking away

. Animals can’t be tethered at all during a storm, below freezing temperatures or when the heat exceeds 100 degrees.

How much does it cost to register a dog in Arizona?

Licensing Fees
Altered Dog


$20.00
Altered Dog – Senior/disabled owner (Limit 4 per household) $15.00 Unaltered Dog $65.00 Duplicate or transfer-of-ownership license $10.00

How do I get my stolen dog back?


Call the police right away and ask to file a report

. This will create a record of the theft and make it easier to retrieve your pet if you happen to see her or hear of her location. Give the HomeAgain lost pet recovery service the details of the alleged theft.

What do you do if someone won’t give your pet back?

The pet owner’s recourse follows two main courses of action: you can

attempt to negotiate for the return of the pet

. Or you can also file a court action to determine the legal ownership of the pet and mandate return of the pet to the rightful owner.

Can my boyfriend take my dog?


The only legal way that he could take your dogs from you is if he sued you in court and won

. He has absolutely no right or reason to come onto your property and steal your dogs. If you do not have a protection order are ready, it might be worth it for you To get one.

What dogs are illegal in Arizona?

Arizona is a Dog Friendly State


Arizona is one of the states that now does not ban dogs based on their breeds

. The law protects animals such as the Pitbull from being banned from being owned and bred.

Is it illegal to walk a dog without a lead?

Where is Off-Lead Dog Walking Illegal?

Dogs are generally not allowed off lead near roads, car parks, play areas and certain ponds or streams at some times of the year

. Even on lead, dogs may be forbidden from entering flower beds and some parks, beachs, pitches and children’s play areas.

Can I bury my dog in my backyard in AZ?

Arizona. By law,

it’s illegal in many Arizona counties to have a backyard burial of pets

. But they do have public pet cemeteries that you can use.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.