{"id":371528,"date":"2019-06-04T13:59:35","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T18:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-dog-bite-laws-1.html"},"modified":"2024-05-20T23:49:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T04:49:23","slug":"arizona-dog-bite-laws-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-dog-bite-laws-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Arizona Dog Bite Laws <\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

While dogs are considered to be man’s best friend, it’s difficult to remember that if you or a loved one is a dog bite victim. Suffering a dog bite injury is traumatic and can have long-lasting effects, leaving you to wonder if someone is to blame and what your legal options might be. There’s more to know about dog bites<\/a> than you might expect.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll look at dog bite statutes in Arizona, what to do if you’re the victim of a dog attack, your options if you’re the owner of a dog accused of biting someone, and what’s involved in filing a dog bite claim<\/a>. Read on to learn about these subjects and more.<\/p>\r\n

Dog Attack Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most dogs are not inclined to attack people unprovoked. However, if they become frightened, threatened, or protective, the chance of a bite incident becomes very real. If you’re a victim of a dog bite, your first and foremost concern should be seeking medical attention. Since that will incur medical bills, your next thought may be wondering who is liable<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona does not permit dogs to be "at large." This means that while people living in Phoenix might look forward to letting their dogs run through parks and school grounds without being leashed, they will find themselves responsible for any personal injury or property damage caused by their pets in those locations.<\/p>\r\n

The same restrictions apply to vicious dogs and females during their mating season. Any dog over the age of 3 months must have their license displayed on their collar or harness.<\/p>\r\n

If an at-large dog attacks you in a public place or on private property you have permission to be on, the owner of the dog is likely responsible.<\/p>\r\n

Liability for Dog Bites<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Some states follow the "one-bite rule<\/a>," which states that a domestic animal is not considered a threat until it has one bite on its record. In most instances, the dog’s owner is not considered responsible for the first bite, which is considered a "free bite." If the dog bites again, the owner is considered aware and responsible for controlling the animal’s vicious tendencies.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona does not use the one-bite rule. Instead, it uses a strict liability<\/a> law. Jurisdictions like Arizona that apply strict liability hold owners liable without the victim having to prove fault or negligence<\/u><\/a> when it comes to dog bites.<\/p>\r\n

Regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness, all that the victims must show is the dog bite caused their injury. They can then hold the dog owner liable for damages that include:<\/p>\r\n