Tempe, AZ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Sec. 6-30 makes it a violation for any person whose dog is unrestrained on public streets, public parks or public property, and a dog is legally 'at large' unless it is restrained by a leash, chain, rope or cord of six feet or less that is strong enough to control it, is being used to control livestock or for hunting, is being exhibited or trained at a kennel club event or is racing in a state-sanctioned event, or is actively in obedience training under a trainer holding a six-foot leash and the dog is enrolled in or has graduated from an obedience school.

In a declared rabies quarantine area, the rule tightens further: every dog must be confined to the owner's property by an enclosure or a six-foot leash under direct owner control whenever it is off the owner's property. Any dog over four months old that is out running at large must wear a collar or harness with a valid license tag attached, except working, hunting, exhibition or racing dogs while actually engaged in those activities. The Community Services Director can designate 'off-leash areas' within public parks where unleashed dogs are permitted.

§ 13-3903, without making an arrest first. If a dangerous or fierce at-large dog cannot be safely impounded, a specially firearms-certified enforcement agent may kill it, followed by a mandatory public incident report.