Oro Valley, AZ Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-500.31 prohibits incorporated cities and towns from adopting or enforcing any breed-specific regulation of dogs. This preemption means Oro Valley cannot ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or any other breed, cannot require breed-specific insurance, muzzling, or registration, and cannot impose special containment requirements based on breed. All dog regulation in Oro Valley must be based on the individual animal's behavior and the owner's conduct. Arizona's dangerous dog statute (ARS 11-1025) establishes a behavior-based framework: a dog that bites, attacks, or endangers a person or domestic animal without provocation may be declared dangerous after a hearing. Vicious dog designation applies to dogs that have attacked causing serious injury or death. Owners of dangerous dogs must maintain a special license, secure enclosure, posted signage, and liability insurance or bond of at least $100,000. Pima County Animal Care Center handles dog bite investigations and dangerous dog hearings for Oro Valley. Dog owners in Oro Valley are required to license all dogs over three months of age with Pima County and maintain current rabies vaccination per ARS 11-1010. HOAs may not enact breed restrictions in their CC&Rs per the same state preemption principle.