Animal Ordinances in Goodyear, AZ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Goodyear or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Goodyear has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Animal Hoarding

Goodyear Code of Ordinances Section 7-1-4 limits residential properties to no more than four household pets, including no more than one potbellied pig (not exceeding 100 pounds). Accumulating animals beyond this limit constitutes a violation. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) at (602) 506-7387 handles animal welfare investigations including hoarding cases.

Key details: Pet Limit: 4 household pets per residence. Potbellied Pigs: Max 1, under 100 lbs. AG District: No maximum animal limit. State Law: ARS §13-2910 animal cruelty. Contact: (602) 506-7387 MCACC.

Exceeding the four-pet limit violates Section 7-1-4 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Animal hoarding involving neglect or cruelty is prosecuted under ARS §13-2910 (animal cruelty). MCACC at (602) 506-7387 investigates and may impound animals. Code Compliance at (623) 932-3200 addresses nuisance conditions. Penalties include fines, mandatory reduction of animal numbers, and potential criminal charges for cruelty.

Chickens & Livestock

Goodyear allows up to 6 hens on single-family detached lots of half acre or less. The enclosure must be 20 feet from neighboring properties, maximum 200 sq ft, and no taller than the property fence. Roosters are prohibited. Larger lots have more allowances under Section 7-1-4.

Key details: Hens Allowed: Up to 6 on lots 0.5 acre or less. Roosters: Prohibited. Enclosure Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties. Enclosure Size: 200 sq ft max, 8 ft or fence height max. Pets: 4 household pets maximum.

Keeping animals in violation of the code may result in citations and orders to remove prohibited animals.

Wildlife Feeding

Goodyear discourages feeding wildlife. Coyotes, javelina, and rattlesnakes are common in the West Valley. Feeding wildlife attracts dangerous animals to residential areas. Secure trash and remove outdoor pet food.

Key details: Policy: Discouraged — attracts dangerous wildlife. Common Wildlife: Coyotes, javelina, rattlesnakes. Prevention: Secure trash, remove pet food. Authority: AZGFD manages wildlife.

Wildlife feeding creating nuisance conditions may result in code enforcement action.

Breed Restrictions

Goodyear has no breed-specific legislation. Arizona law (ARS 11-1025) classifies dogs as dangerous based on individual behavior, not breed. HOAs may restrict breeds through CC&Rs.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: ARS 11-1025 — behavior-based. HOAs: May restrict breeds. Insurance: Some policies exclude breeds.

Dangerous dogs under ARS 11-1025 face mandatory secure enclosure, warning signs, and liability insurance requirements.

The rules around breed restrictions in Goodyear lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Goodyear Code Section 7-2-9 requires dogs to be on a leash not more than 6 feet long when on public streets, parks, or property. All dogs must be licensed through Maricopa County. Dogs at large may be impounded.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Where Required: Public streets, parks, and property. Licensing: Maricopa County license required. Governing Code: Section 7-2-9. At-Large Dogs: Subject to impoundment.

Dogs at large may be impounded. Owners face impound fees and licensing violation penalties.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Goodyear is subject to AZDA regulations under ARS 3-2901+. Arizona is an Africanized Honey Bee state with heightened safety concerns. The city does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. HOAs may prohibit beekeeping.

Key details: City Ordinance: No specific beekeeping ordinance. State Authority: AZDA under ARS 3-2901+. AHB State: Arizona has Africanized bees. HOAs: May prohibit beekeeping.

Bee colonies creating public nuisance may be ordered removed. AHB colonies require immediate professional response.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pets in Goodyear are regulated by AZGFD under ARS 17-306. Venomous reptiles and dangerous wildlife are restricted or prohibited. The city limits household pets to 4 per property. Livestock is prohibited unless specifically permitted by code.

Key details: Pet Limit: 4 household pets per property. State Authority: AZGFD under ARS 17-306. Livestock: Prohibited unless code-permitted. Restricted Species: AZGFD maintains prohibited list.

Keeping prohibited animals may result in seizure, citations, and criminal charges under state wildlife law.

The Bottom Line

Goodyear's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Goodyear is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Goodyear's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.