Phoenix, AZ Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Ban
- None (no BSL in Phoenix)
- State Preemption
- A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C)
- Enabling Law
- SB 1248 (2016)
Summary
Phoenix has no breed-specific dog ban. Arizona state law, A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C), prohibits any city or town from regulating dogs in a way specific to any breed, so pit bulls and other breeds are legal citywide.
C. A city or town may regulate the control of dogs if the regulation is not specific to any breed.
Full Breakdown
There is no breed-specific provision anywhere in Phoenix City Code Chapter 8; the city regulates dogs only by behavior (at-large, vicious, biting) and not by breed. This reflects Arizona's statewide preemption: A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C) provides that 'A city or town may regulate the control of dogs if the regulation is not specific to any breed.' Enacted by SB 1248 (2016), this statute forbids Arizona municipalities from enacting or enforcing breed-based dog ordinances, making breed-specific legislation (BSL) unlawful in Phoenix. Dangerous-dog issues are instead handled through the 'vicious animal' definition in Sec. 8-1 and the biting-animal procedures in Sec. 8-16, all of which apply regardless of breed.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable to owners; the statute restrains the city. Any breed-specific ordinance would be void under A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls legal in Phoenix?
Can Phoenix pass a breed-specific dog law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
How Phoenix compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle breed restrictions.