Dog Bite Liability in Arizona
Whether a dog owner in Arizona is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages when the dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 11-1025
| Dog bites | Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages when the dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. The owner or caretaker must give the bitten person the owner's contact information. A dog's breed may not be considered in deciding liability. There are limited exceptions for police and military dogs. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 11-1025 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More Arizona personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Arizona
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Arizona
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Arizona
- Car Accident Claims in Arizona
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Arizona
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Arizona
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Arizona
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Arizona
- Construction Site Injuries in Arizona
- All Arizona personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Arizona?
Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages when the dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. The owner or caretaker must give the bitten person the owner's contact information. A dog's breed may not be considered in deciding liability. There are limited exceptions for police and military dogs.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Arizona?
A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for false imprisonment, libel or slander have one year. For someone under 18 or of unsound mind when the claim accrues, the time generally does not run until the disability ends.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.