Peoria, AZ Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- AZ §13-2910 cruelty
- Enforcement
- MCACC + Peoria PD
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $2,500
- Felony threshold
- Serious neglect/injury
- Ownership ban
- Possible on conviction
Summary
Peoria limits dogs/cats to a combined total typically allowed in residential zones and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) investigates hoarding complaints in Peoria.
A. A person commits cruelty to animals if the person does any of the following:
1. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects any animal under the person's custody or control to cruel neglect or abandonment.
2. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering to any animal under the person's custody or control.
3. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly inflicts unnecessary physical injury to any animal.
4. Recklessly subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment.
5. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly kills any animal under the custody or control of another person without either legal privilege or consent of the owner.
6. Recklessly interferes with, kills or harms a working or service animal wi
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Peoria City Code Ch. 6 (Animals) regulates animal keeping; residential lots generally limit households to a reasonable number of dogs/cats before a kennel/multi-animal permit is required. Hoarding conduct (failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care to multiple animals) is prosecuted under AZ Revised Statutes §13-2910 as class 1 misdemeanor animal cruelty, or class 6 felony if severe. MCACC handles intake, seizures, and welfare checks; Peoria PD assists with criminal referrals. Convicted hoarders may be barred from owning animals during probation.
Violations & Fines
Animal cruelty (class 1 misdemeanor): up to $2,500 fine and/or 6 months jail per animal. Felony cruelty: up to $150,000 fine and prison. Peoria code violations: civil penalties $100-$500 and abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have in Peoria before it's considered hoarding?
Who investigates animal hoarding in Peoria?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria
Compare Peoria to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle pet limits.