Scottsdale, AZ Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Keeping Limits
- Scottsdale RC Ch. 4
- MCACC
- (602) 506-7387
- Cruelty Law
- ARS §13-2910
- Code Enforcement
- (480) 312-2546
- Felony Threshold
- Intentional injury (§13-2910.A)
Summary
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations; criminal cruelty is prosecuted under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2910 as a class 1 misdemeanor or class 6 felony.
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 work
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 (Animals) regulates animal keeping, licensing (required for dogs over 3 months per ARS §11-1008), and sanitation standards. Scottsdale contracts with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) for field investigations at (602) 506-7387. Criminal animal cruelty is governed by ARS §13-2910, which covers 12 enumerated offenses ranging from intentional injury (class 6 felony) to negligent failure to provide food, water, or medical care (class 1 misdemeanor). Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months jail and $2,500 fine; class 6 felony up to 2 years prison and $150,000 fine. ARS §13-2910.04 separately prohibits cruel confinement. Scottsdale Code Enforcement at (480) 312-2546 handles property nuisance issues tied to hoarding (odor, sanitation, debris under Scottsdale Revised Code §39-5). Hoarding seizures follow ARS §13-2910.07 procedures with county attorney involvement. Behavioral health referrals coordinate through Maricopa County Human Services.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding keeping limits under Chapter 4: civil citation $100-$500 first offense. ARS §13-2910 class 1 misdemeanor: up to 6 months jail, $2,500 fine. Class 6 felony: up to 2 years prison, $150,000 fine. Animal seizure plus cost-of-care reimbursement under ARS §13-2910.07. Scottsdale Code Enforcement nuisance abatement: civil fines up to $2,500/day under Scottsdale Revised Code §1-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I have in Scottsdale?
How do I report suspected animal hoarding in Scottsdale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scottsdale
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle pet limits.