Arizona has one of the strictest dog bite laws in the nation. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause—meaning victims don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent. This places significant responsibility on Phoenix-area pet owners and provides strong protections for bite victims.

Arizona’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

A.R.S. § 11-1025: The Statute

Arizona law states: “The owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.”

What “Strict Liability” Means

Strict liability eliminates common defenses available in other states:

• No “one bite rule”: Owner is liable even for first bite
• No knowledge requirement: Owner doesn’t need to know dog is dangerous
• No negligence requirement: Victim doesn’t need to prove owner was careless
• Automatic liability: If your dog bites, you’re responsible

When Arizona’s Strict Liability Applies

The law applies when:

• A dog bites a person
• Victim was in a public place, OR
• Victim was lawfully on private property (including owner’s property)
• Owner had control or ownership of the dog

Who Is Considered the “Owner”?

Arizona law defines ownership broadly:

Legal Owners

• Person who purchased or adopted the dog
• Person whose name is on adoption papers or purchase receipt
• Person who registered dog with county

Harboring or Keeping

You can be liable even without legal ownership if you:

• Harbor the dog: Provide shelter and care
• Keep the dog: Have custody and control
• Exercise control: Act as if you own the dog

Examples:

• Dog-sitting for a friend
• Caring for ex-partner’s dog after breakup
• Allowing stray dog to stay on your property
• Taking in roommate’s dog

Multiple Owners

When multiple people own or control a dog:

• All owners can be held liable
• Victim can sue one, some, or all owners
• Owners may have contribution rights against each other

Where Arizona’s Dog Bite Law Applies

Public Places

Owner is strictly liable for bites occurring in:

• Parks and trails (Phoenix parks, Scottsdale trails)
• Sidewalks and streets
• Shopping centers and parking lots
• Restaurants with outdoor seating
• Any publicly accessible area

Private Property

Owner is liable if victim was “lawfully” on private property:

Lawful Presence Includes:

• Invited guests: Friends, family, party attendees
• Business invitees: Delivery drivers, postal workers, repair technicians
• Implied invitation: Salespeople, political canvassers (until asked to leave)
• Children: Even if not explicitly invited (attractive nuisance)

Owner’s Property

Importantly, the law explicitly states liability applies even on the dog owner’s own property. You cannot escape liability by claiming “it happened on my property.”

Defenses to Dog Bite Claims in Arizona

While Arizona has strict liability, some defenses exist:

Trespassing

Owner is not liable if victim was trespassing:

• No permission to be on property
• Entered property unlawfully
• Remained after being told to leave

Important exceptions:

• Children may not be considered trespassers (attractive nuisance)
• Postal workers and delivery drivers are lawful even without explicit invitation
• “No Trespassing” signs don’t automatically make everyone trespassers

Provocation

Owner may avoid liability if victim provoked the dog:

• Hitting, kicking, or abusing the dog
• Teasing or tormenting
• Intentionally causing pain or fear

What is NOT provocation:

• Petting the dog
• Walking past the dog
• Playing with the dog normally
• Being near the dog’s food or toys
• Accidentally stepping on dog’s paw

Veterinary or Grooming Exception

Limited exception for veterinarians and groomers:

• Professionals assume some risk
• Owner may not be liable for bites during treatment
• Exception is narrow—doesn’t apply to all situations

Police or Military Dogs

• Special rules for working dogs
• Government immunity may apply
• Depends on circumstances of bite

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites

Homeowner’s Insurance

Most homeowner’s policies cover dog bite liability:

• Typical coverage: $100,000 to $300,000
• Covers: Medical expenses, pain and suffering, legal defense
• Applies: Even if bite occurs off your property

Breed Restrictions

Many insurers exclude or limit coverage for certain breeds:

• Pit bulls and pit bull mixes
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Akitas
• Chow Chows
• Huskies

Important: If you own a restricted breed and don’t disclose it, your insurer may deny coverage.

Renter’s Insurance

• Provides liability coverage similar to homeowner’s
• Typically $100,000 coverage
• Essential for renters with dogs
• May have same breed restrictions

Umbrella Policies

• Additional liability coverage above homeowner’s/renter’s limits
• Typically $1-5 million coverage
• Recommended for dog owners
• Relatively inexpensive

What If You Have No Insurance?

Without insurance, you’re personally liable:

• Victim can sue you directly
• Your personal assets are at risk
• Wages can be garnished
• Property can be seized
• Bankruptcy may not discharge judgment

Damages in Arizona Dog Bite Cases

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, antibiotics, rabies treatment
• Future medical costs: Reconstructive surgery, scar revision, therapy
• Lost wages: Time off work for treatment and recovery
• Lost earning capacity: Permanent disfigurement affecting employment

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, fear of dogs, anxiety
• Disfigurement and scarring: Permanent facial or body scars
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Psychological impact

Punitive Damages

Available in cases of extreme recklessness:

• Owner knew dog was vicious but took no precautions
• Previous attacks ignored
• Intentionally siccing dog on victim
• Grossly negligent behavior

Preventing Dog Bites: Owner Responsibilities

Proper Restraint

• Leash laws: Follow local leash requirements (Phoenix, Scottsdale, etc.)
• Fencing: Secure fencing to contain dog on property
• Supervision: Monitor dog around children and strangers
• Muzzles: Consider for dogs with aggressive tendencies

Training and Socialization

• Professional training for aggressive dogs
• Early socialization with people and other dogs
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Address behavioral problems promptly

Warning Signs

• Post “Beware of Dog” signs (doesn’t eliminate liability but may help)
• Warn visitors about dog’s presence
• Secure dog before allowing visitors

Spaying/Neutering

• Reduces aggressive behavior
• Decreases likelihood of biting
• Required in some Arizona cities

Veterinary Care

• Regular check-ups
• Address medical issues that may cause aggression
• Keep vaccinations current (especially rabies)

What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone

Immediate Actions

1. Secure the dog: Prevent further injury
2. Provide first aid: Help the victim if possible
3. Call 911: If injuries are serious
4. Exchange information: Provide your contact and insurance information
5. Document the incident: Photos, witness information
6. Report to animal control: Required by law in most Arizona cities

Do NOT:

• Admit fault or apologize excessively
• Make promises about paying medical bills
• Give recorded statements without attorney
• Hide or destroy evidence
• Fail to report to authorities

Contact Your Insurance

• Notify homeowner’s or renter’s insurance immediately
• Provide accurate information
• Cooperate with investigation
• Let insurer handle communications with victim

Consult an Attorney

• Understand your liability
• Protect your rights
• Navigate insurance process
• Defend against inflated claims

Quarantine and Reporting Requirements

Rabies Quarantine

Arizona law requires quarantine after bites:

• Duration: 10 days minimum
• Location: Home quarantine or animal control facility
• Purpose: Observe for rabies symptoms
• Vaccinated dogs: May quarantine at home
• Unvaccinated dogs: May require facility quarantine

Reporting to Animal Control

• Required in most Arizona cities
• Failure to report is a violation
• Animal control investigates circumstances
• May result in dangerous dog designation

Dangerous Dog Designation

After investigation, dog may be declared dangerous if:

• Caused serious injury
• History of aggressive behavior
• Attacked without provocation

Consequences:

• Special registration requirements
• Mandatory liability insurance
• Secure confinement requirements
• Muzzle requirements in public
• Possible euthanasia in extreme cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I liable if my dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. Arizona’s strict liability law means you’re liable even for the first bite. There is no “one bite rule” in Arizona. The dog’s history and your knowledge of any viciousness are irrelevant under A.R.S. § 11-1025.

What if the person was teasing my dog?

Provocation is a defense, but the bar is high. Simply petting, playing with, or being near the dog is not provocation. The victim must have intentionally caused pain or fear to the dog. Accidental actions (stepping on paw, startling dog) don’t constitute provocation.

Does my “Beware of Dog” sign protect me from liability?

No. Warning signs do not eliminate liability under Arizona’s strict liability law. They may show you were aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, which could actually hurt your case. Signs don’t replace proper restraint and supervision.

What if my dog was on a leash when it bit someone?

You’re still liable. Having your dog on a leash doesn’t eliminate liability—it just shows you were following leash laws. If your dog bites while leashed, you’re responsible under strict liability.

Can I be sued if I was dog-sitting for someone else?

Yes. Arizona law holds liable anyone who “harbors” or “keeps” a dog, not just legal owners. If you had custody and control of the dog when it bit someone, you can be held liable along with the owner.

What if my homeowner’s insurance denied my claim because I didn’t disclose my dog’s breed?

You may be personally liable for the full amount. Insurance policies require accurate disclosure. If you failed to disclose a restricted breed, the insurer may deny coverage, leaving you to pay damages from personal assets. This is why honest disclosure is critical.

Contact Shapiro Injury Law today for a free consultation. Whether you were bitten by a dog or your dog bit someone, our experienced Arizona dog bite attorneys can help. We understand strict liability law, insurance coverage issues, and how to protect your rights. We serve clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and all of Maricopa County. No fees unless we win.