Arizona Dog Bite Law 2026: What Victims Need to Know

What Just Changed in Arizona Dog Bite Law?

As of September 26, 2025, Arizona dog owners have a new legal obligation: if their dog bites someone in a public place — or on private property where the victim had a lawful right to be — the owner must provide their contact information to the bite victim on the spot.

This requirement comes from Senate Bill 1241, which amended Arizona Revised Statute §11-1025. Signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs in May 2025, the law is now in effect statewide, including Maricopa County.

Failing to provide contact information after a dog bite is now a Class 2 Misdemeanor in Arizona.

Why Was Arizona’s Bite and Run Law Created?

Before SB 1241 passed, Arizona law required dog bites to be reported to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) — but owners had no legal duty to identify themselves to the victim. This created a major problem: dog owners could simply walk away, leaving victims with no way to pursue compensation, reimbursement for medical care, or accountability.

According to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Director Debbie McKnight stated the law “will provide dog bite victims with the information they need in a timely manner, hold dog owners accountable, and open up communication between both parties after a dog bite occurs.”

That’s exactly why the bill quickly earned the nickname: the “Bite and Run” Law.

Arizona Dog Bite Law: What Victims Are Entitled To

Arizona already had one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country — a strict liability standard. Under A.R.S. §11-1025, a dog owner is liable for damages caused by a bite regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. There is no “one free bite” rule in Arizona.

SB 1241 strengthens victims’ rights further by ensuring they can actually identify the responsible party after an attack. Without a name, phone number, or address, even a valid legal claim becomes nearly impossible to pursue.

As a dog bite victim in Arizona, you have the right to:

  • Obtain the dog owner’s contact information immediately at the scene
  • File a report with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
  • Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering
  • Consult with a dog bite attorney — at no upfront cost

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Arizona

Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights:

  1. Request contact information — Under the new law, the owner is legally required to provide it. If they refuse, that refusal may itself be used as evidence.
  2. Call 911 or seek medical care — dog bites carry a serious risk of infection. Document injuries with photos immediately.
  3. Report the bite — File a report with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.
  4. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance companies without speaking to an attorney first.
  5. Contact a dog bite attorney — Dog bite cases in Arizona involve strict liability, but insurance companies will still work to minimize your payout.

When Should You Call an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney?

You should speak with an attorney if:

  • The bite caused any visible injury, scarring, or required medical treatment
  • The owner refused to provide contact information (a criminal violation under A.R.S. §11-1025)
  • You’ve been contacted by the dog owner’s insurance company
  • The bite happened on someone else’s property where you had permission to be
  • A child was bitten

At Elmm Law Group, we represent dog bite victims across all of Arizona. Attorney Gordana Mikalacki and our team handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions: Arizona Dog Bite Law (2026)

What Arizona Dog Bite Law Victims Ask Most

What is Arizona’s dog bite law in 2026?
Senate Bill 1241, which took effect September 26, 2025, requires dog owners to provide their contact information to anyone their dog bites in a public or private place. Refusing to do so is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.
Does Arizona have strict liability for dog bites?
Yes. Under A.R.S. §11-1025, Arizona dog owners are strictly liable for bites regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s prior knowledge of aggression.
What happens if a dog owner refuses to give their information after a bite in Arizona?
It is a criminal offense — a Class 2 Misdemeanor. Victims should document the refusal, call police, and contact a dog bite attorney.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the bite. Do not wait — evidence and witness accounts fade quickly.
Can I sue if I was bitten on someone else’s property?
Yes, if you were lawfully present on the property — as a guest, delivery worker, mail carrier, etc. — Arizona’s strict liability law still applies.

Bitten by a Dog in Arizona? Elmm Law Group Is Here to Help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack anywhere in Arizona, you don’t have to face it alone. At Elmm Law Group, we are here to listen. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your legal rights under Arizona’s dog bite law and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.