Dog Bite Attorney

Arizona Bite and Run Laws: What Dog Owners and Bite Victims Need to Know

December 12, 2025 by Brad Johnson

A dog bite can turn a peaceful walk into a medical emergency in seconds. Under Arizona’s “Bite and Run Law” (Senate Bill 1241), dog owners face strict criminal penalties if they fail to identify themselves after an attack.

Whether you were bitten at a local park in Surprise, in an Avondale neighborhood, or on private property in Phoenix, understanding your rights under A.R.S. § 11-1025 is essential for your health and any potential legal claim.

What Is Arizona’s “Bite and Run Law”?

Codified under A.R.S. § 11-1025(B), the “Bite and Run Law” makes it illegal for an owner or handler to leave the scene of a dog bite without providing their contact information to the victim (or parent/guardian if the victim is a minor).

Key legal duties include:

Immediate Identification: Exchanging contact details on-site.
Remaining Present: Staying at the scene unless leaving to seek urgent medical care.
Universal Scope: Applies in public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and on private property.

Criminal Consequences: Failing to exchange details is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. Similar to leaving the scene of a car accident, an owner who flees can face criminal fines, probation, and potential jail time.

Arizona Dog Bite Laws at a Glance

Feature	Legal Requirement / Standard
Primary Statute	A.R.S. § 11-1025
Owner Duty at Scene	Exchange name and contact details immediately.
Criminal Penalty for Leaving	Class 2 Misdemeanor (up to 4 months in jail and $750 fine).
Liability Standard	Strict Liability (no “one free bite” rule in Arizona).
Mandatory Reporting	All bites resulting in injury must be reported to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.

Why the Law Matters for Bite Victims

In rapidly growing communities across Phoenix’s West Valley, dog bite incidents present significant public health risks:

Rabies & Medical Verification: Immediate contact details allow health officials to verify rabies vaccination status, avoiding unnecessary and costly post-exposure treatments for victims.
Strict Liability Civil Claims: Under state law, owners are financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, regardless of whether the dog showed prior aggression.

What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog in the West Valley

If you or a loved one is attacked, take these steps to protect your health and legal claim:

Obtain Contact Details Immediately: Request the owner’s full name, phone number, address, and proof of rabies vaccination.
Seek Medical Attention: Visit an emergency room or urgent care center immediately.
Report the Incident: File an official bite report with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control or local police.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.

How Brad Johnson Injury Law Protects West Valley Victims

Recovering from a severe dog bite requires focused medical treatment, not stressful battles with insurance companies. Brad Johnson Injury Law brings over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims across the West Valley.

We Come to You in 2 Hours: If we believe we can help you with your case, we’ll come to you for a face-to-face meeting with an attorney within 2 hours at your home, office, or hospital room.
No Win, No Fee: You pay zero legal fees unless we win your case.
Lower Fees, Maximum Compensation: We keep our fees competitive so more money goes directly to your recovery.

Call Brad Johnson Injury Law 24/7 at (602)650-1200 or fill out our form for a free case evaluation.

Arizona Dog Bite Law FAQs

What Does Arizona Dog Bite Law Say About Euthanasia?

In Arizona, a dog is not automatically euthanized after biting a person. Under A.R.S. § 11-1014, the default process involves a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine.

Euthanasia only occurs under specific legal conditions:

Vicious Animal Order: A magistrate or justice of the peace can order euthanasia only after a formal hearing determines the animal poses a severe, continuing danger to the public.
Medical / Rabies Testing: County enforcement agents may humanely euthanize a quarantined animal prior to 10 days if the animal shows active signs of rabies or if the owner provides written consent for rabies testing.

How Do I Report a Dog Bite?

Under A.R.S. § 11-1014(E), any dog bite must be reported immediately to the local animal control enforcement agency.

For West Valley residents in Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, Avondale, or Buckeye:

Contact Animal Control: File a bite report directly with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) online or by calling (602) 506-7387.
Local West Valley Facility: Physical reports and quarantine processing are managed through MCACC’s West Valley Shelter (10605 W Rio Vista Blvd, Peoria, AZ 85345).
Dispatch Law Enforcement: If the attack occurs in a public park or the owner refuses to exchange information (violating Arizona’s Bite and Run Law / SB 1241), call local police immediately.

What Will the Police Do If Your Dog Bites Someone?

When law enforcement responds to a dog bite in Arizona, their role depends on the circumstances of the attack:

Investigate Criminal Violations: Officers verify if the owner complied with A.R.S. § 11-1025(B) (SB 1241) by staying at the scene and exchanging information. If an owner flees, police can press Class 2 Misdemeanor criminal charges.
Enforce Local Leash Laws: If the dog was unrestrained in a public space, officers may issue citations for leash law violations.
Coordinate Quarantine: Police will complete an incident report and transfer the bite log to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to initiate mandatory rabies quarantine protocols. Police generally do not seize or shoot a pet on the spot unless the animal presents an active, ongoing threat to human life.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?

Arizona law requires that dog bites be reported immediately to local animal control authorities by anyone with direct knowledge of the incident (A.R.S. § 11-1014(E)).

Filing an Injury Claim (Statute of Limitations):

1 Year (Strict Liability): To hold the owner liable under Arizona’s strict liability statute (A.R.S. § 11-1025), you must file a lawsuit within 1 year of the bite date (A.R.S. § 12-541).
2 Years (Common Law Negligence): A general negligence claim carries a 2-year deadline (A.R.S. § 12-542), but requires proving the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous.

What Is Your Liability If Your Dog Bit Another Dog?

Arizona’s strict liability dog bite statute (A.R.S. § 11-1025) applies specifically to attacks on human beings, not property or pets. However, dog-on-dog attacks carry significant legal consequences under Fabian’s Law and property damage laws:

Liability Type	Legal Exposure & Consequences
Criminal Liability	Under Arizona’s Fabian’s Law, an owner whose dog attacks and injures or kills another domestic animal can be charged with a Class 1 Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 in fines).
Civil Compensation	Pets are classified as personal property under Arizona law. The attacking dog’s owner is financially responsible for all emergency veterinary bills, medication costs, and property damages caused during the attack.
Human Injury Extension	If a pet owner is bitten or knocked over while trying to protect their pet from an attacking dog, strict liability applies to the human’s injuries.

Service Dog Bites: Your Comprehensive Legal Guide for Arizona

May 30, 2025 by Brad Johnson

Service dogs receive a higher level of training than most household pets, but that doesn’t mean they never bite. Although it’s less common with a service dog than a household pet, dog bite attacks are always serious. If you are ever attacked by a service dog in Arizona, the law is on your side. Strict dog bite liability laws in AZ are written to protect victims of service dog bites and prevent repeat attacks

In Arizona, the law is not forgiving when it comes to dog bite injuries. The owner is almost always at fault for the dangerous misbehavior of their service dog. These attacks are often sudden and without warning. You can’t always prevent a vicious dog, but knowing your rights keeps you a step ahead.

Use this blog to learn key definitions and steps to take after a dog bite incident.

What is Considered a Service Dog in Arizona?

Arizona service animal laws align with definitions and statutes outlined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). A service animal is usually a dog (or in rare cases, a miniature horse) that is trained to help with specific tasks. In Arizona, service animals are required to be non-aggressive and under control of their owner by a harness, leash, or voice command.

Since service dogs are considered medical equipment, they can go anywhere without restriction and, contrary to popular belief, do not require any certification or special ID–owners don’t need to carry any sort of registration for their service animal.

Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals. They do not have the same access.

What Should You Do if a Service Animal Attacks?

Follow these steps if a service dog bites:

Seek Medical Attention

Don’t delay treatment if you’re wounded by a dog bite. Make sure your provider is keeping detailed documentation of the severity of the bite, your treatment plan, and any possible long-term outcomes of the injury.
Report the Dog Bite

Arizona dog bite laws require anyone with “direct knowledge” of the dog bite incident to report it to animal control immediately. That includes owners, victims, witnesses, and potentially doctors treating the bite.
Collect Evidence

Take pictures, videos and even audio recordings. Building a strong case requires strong evidence. Pictures of your wound, the dog that bit you, the dog’s owner, and your surroundings could all come in handy later on.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

Consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, ideally within a few days or a week. An experienced dog bite attorney can provide invaluable guidance and legal counseling to get your claim started, build out your case, and maximize your compensation.

Properly trained service animals are less likely to attack unprovoked, which is why you’ll need a team of dog bite lawsuit specialists to build an air-tight case.

Service Dog Bite Liability: Who’s to Blame?

All service animals must be under control of their handler, which is usually the dog’s owner. Although service dogs are protected by disability laws, state laws prioritize public safety above all else. The law is clear: the service dog handler is liable for any damages caused by a service animal or service animal-in-training.

There are no laws protecting a service dog that bites or attacks. All dog bites in Arizona are considered equally under the state’s strict liability laws. Civil statutes are written to protect dog bite victims and assign liability to the dog’s owner or handler.

It’s rare that anyone other than the owner is liable after a dog attack, but it can happen. If the dog owner or service dog handler can prove that a dog bite victim intentionally provoked the dog, they might not be fully liable for all damages caused. This is why it’s so important to document the incident as much as possible!

Compensation After a Service Dog Bites in AZ

Yes, you can file a claim and seek compensation after a service dog attacks you. The exact details of your claim will determine the actual payout. This is often covered by individual homeowner or renter insurance, but actual policy coverage can vary.

The number of dog bite personal injury claims is on the rise, and average claim value has skyrocketed in recent years. The average dollar value of dog injury claims increased from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 2024 (that’s an 18.3% change!), according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The latest study by the III mentions two key reasons for the increase:

Higher medical costs
Upward trend in total settlements awarded

Tangible and intangible losses are both included as part of compensation calculations. The best way to maximize your settlement after a dog bite attack is to work with a personal injury attorney.

Tangible Economic Losses

Medical costs, lost wages, and personal property damage are relatively straightforward calculations that go into final claim determinations. These are tangible losses, meaning their is a simple dollar amount assigned to each loss.

Medical costs consider all treatments related to the dog bite, including the cost of emergency care, surgeries, follow-up treatment, ongoing treatments, and any future costs.

Intangible losses

Although they are called “intangible,” these losses are very real. After a traumatic dog bite incident, you are compensated not only for the actual money spent to remediate the injury, but also for the long-term effects you may experience.

Pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, and general loss of enjoyment of life are all weighed on a case-by-case basis.

Looking for Dog Bite Lawsuit Specialists?

You shouldn’t have to take on a complex dog bite case on your own. The complexities of the legal system as well as your individual case can feel overwhelming without the right support.

Contact the legal experts at Brad Johnson Injury Law for a free consultation today.

Fatal Dog Bite Accidents in Arizona

February 7, 2018 by Brad Johnson

American households are home to roughly 78 million dogs. With that many dogs throughout the country, naturally, some are going to bite. But according to the United States Center for Disease Control, even if you ARE bit by a dog, only about 20 percent of the dog bites in our country cause an injury, bruised egos notwithstanding. But what about the horrific dog attacks where the victims are not as fortunate; people are maimed, horrified into a lifelong fear of dogs and other animals, or worse, are killed. In Arizona, dog bite victims or families of dog bite victims need experienced legal support to be sure they get the help they need to correctly pursue any injury claims for damages caused by the dog attack.

What to Do the Moment You Witness the Attack

– Call 911

When you see an attack between a dog or dogs, and a person, immediately call 911. If you can communicate with the dispatcher on the line, listen for any advice or questions the person on the phone has and answer as best as you can. Do not attempt to get between the person and the dog. If you can locate the dog’s owner to collect his or her contact information, you can also be a big help.

– Record What You See

What happens before and during the dog attack can be very important to the victim’s case later. Do your best to remember any details that happened from when you began watching it and if possible, write it down. You may also use your telephone to record photographs or video of what you see. Your version of the story can mean a great deal to the person being attacked. If the dog attack is serious and the person is seriously injured or worse, killed, the information you secure can win or lose valuable assistance for the person attacked or his or her family.

A Deadly Dog Attack – What Happens Next?

A total of 41 human beings were killed in 2016 by dog attacks. The number is small when one considers there were more than 4.5 million dog bites in that same year. Yet, when someone is the victim of a vicious attack, everyone experiences a devastating loss. The family of the victim is heartbroken, the owners of the dog, which is often euthanized following a human attack, are crushed, and now the loved ones of the person killed are often ruined financially by the loss as well as emotionally. In Arizona, the law is clearly on the side of the victim. Dog owners have the responsibility to provide constant oversight over their pet. When they fail in Arizona, and their dog attacks a person, the dog owner is liable for its actions regardless of where the animal was when he or she attacked.

Helping Dog Attack Victims’ Families Win Just Compensation

If your loved one was killed by a dog attack, you could be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost pay, damages to any property, or loss of consortium. Sometimes, you may also secure compensation for punitive damages—dollars meant to punish someone for reckless or negligent behavior. In other words, if the dog’s owner knew he owned a historically dangerous dog yet did not secure the dog or allowed it to run free in a park or play area for children, a jury could decide to award punitive damages.

The laws are on your side if your loved one has been killed or seriously injured by a dog in Arizona. However, determining how to recover damages can be complicated, especially when insurance companies can get involved. Fighting adjustors and lawyers of huge American insurance companies can be expensive, and challenging. To learn more about how to fight to recover compensation for your loved one’s serious injury, or even death, contact Brad Johnson Injury Law today. We have years of experience in helping people know their legal rights and fight for their reward.

Things to Do if You are Bitten by a Dog

February 2, 2018 by Brad Johnson

Dogs have become a huge part of American culture. As baby boomers age and empty nesters yearn to care for a “little buddy”, more Americans are owning dogs, and even more are abandoning the notion of leaving pets at home. Instead, people are taking dogs to dog-friendly restaurant patios for meals, to dog-friendly stores as they shop, and to public dog parks to interact with others, sometimes even passing ordinary pets off as service animals. Sometimes, well-meaning pet owners misjudge their dog’s demeanor in public or for unknown reasons, dogs attack others. As dogs interact with us more frequently out in public, a little knowledge can go a long way when good dogs go bad, and bite.

Do Your Best to Remain Calm

Panic can feed the dog’s fear and cause it to grow in aggression. The more wildly you behave, waving your arms or running, the more the dog may smell your angst and prepare to treat you more like prey than friend.

Be on Guard

If you find yourself in a situation where a dog is behaving aggressively and the owner is not around, the first thing to do is attempt to distract the dog by giving the animal your shirt, your purse, a package, anything you have that can cause the dog to move toward that object, instead of you.

Reduce the Energy and Slow Things Down

Perhaps you are on a run and the dog is frothed up and starting to look like he may attack you. Slow your run to a walk and take down the energy at the scene. Continue to monitor the dog as you walk away, but do not make eye contact with him. If you can, slow to a stop appearing to be disinterested and look away.

Instruct the Dog to “Get Back!”

Take command of the situation if the dog continues to behave with aggression. Use a confident, strong, even voice to yell “Get Back” or “Back Off”. Do not use a high-pitched, fear-filled voice. Be commanding. The dog may then be shocked into becoming afraid and moving away.

Fight Back

If all tactics have failed to control the situation, punch the dog, hard, in the nose and muzzle. Big movements from your arms and legs to the dog have the best chances of being effective in stunning it and causing it to run away from you. Another place to aim is the vulnerable part of the dog just under its rib cage. This big action can knock the wind out of the animal and give you a chance to get away.

Be the Alpha

The exchange of power here is what works with a pack animal. When you can assertively get the energy from the situation under YOUR control as the alpha, the dog will learn to submit in that moment. This is successful when the confidence to take control is firm and assured.

Arizona Dog Bite Laws

Tragedy strikes when dogs suddenly become aggressive and attack. Sometimes, the target is a child because of their size. Other times, adults are attacked and cannot overcome the size and attack instincts of the dog. Arizona Dog Bite Laws make the dog’s owners first in line for responsibility if their pet bites or attacks another person. There are situations where provocation is considered in the case yet the blame for most dog attacks lie squarely on the individual owner, even if he or she is not present.

If you or a family member has been attacked by a dog in Arizona, time is not on your side. The statute for dog bites includes a one-year limit. Learn your rights and if you have a case for collecting damages from the dog bite situation. Our attorneys are experienced in handling dog bite lawsuits in Arizona. We can help you understand your case and prepare to collect damages for lost wages, medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Call today or schedule your appointment online today. We can help you get the most compensation for your claim.

What to Expect From a Dog Bite Settlement

June 8, 2015 by Brad Johnson

If you’ve recently been the victim of a dog bite, you may be looking for a dog bite attorney. But what can you expect from a dog bite lawsuit and settlement?

Find an Attorney

The first step in any dog bite lawsuit is finding an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case. Dog bite law is a combination of city, county and state law, so you’ll need help navigating this territory and understanding your rights. It’s important to find an attorney who has plenty of experience with dog bite cases and has had success winning cases similar to yours.

Evidence Gathering

Once you’ve retained a good personal injury attorney, the next step will be to gather evidence for your case. This could include your personal account of what happened as well as eyewitness accounts, any medical treatment records, photos of your injury, photos of the scene, photos of the dog, the dog’s history and vaccination records, you’re medical bills, and any other pertinent information. The attorney will need your help gathering all of this information.

Litigating Your Case

Most dog bite lawsuits never get to court. They are usually settled through negotiations between the victim and the dog owner. Typically an attorney will start with a letter to the dog owner stating your intent to file a lawsuit, the evidence you have, your medical bills and your request for financial restitution. If the owner agrees to pay your requested amount, you’re finished. If the owner refuses, the matter will have to be taken to court.

General Settlement Amounts

Dog bite lawsuit settlements can vary greatly and there are no minimum or maximum compensation laws. The settlement amount isn’t always a direct reflection of the amount of medical costs incurred. There are many things that go into the settlement calculation, including loss of work, long-term medical issues, mental anguish and other variables.

Dog Bites and Lawsuits

August 9, 2010 by Brad Johnson

Fatal dog bite accidents in Arizona

We all love our dogs and consider them to be a part of the family unit. Unfortunately, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bite victims every year in the United States. Almost 50% of all victims are children under the age of 12.

If you, or someone you know, is bitten, it is imperative that you have the bite checked out by a medical provider as soon as possible. Dogs can be a host to several bacterial and viral infections that you can contract, such as ringworm. Many dog bite victims suffer permanent scarring and consult with plastic surgeons. While scarring can be minimized by plastic surgery, most victims are still left with permanent residual scarring. In addition to physical injuries, many dog bite victims experience emotional trauma, lower self-esteem from visible scarring, and a lifetime fear of dogs.

In Arizona, most dog bite attacks are strict liability cases. The owner of the dog is liable for the dog’s actions whether they knew the dog was dangerous or not. Anytime their dog bites someone they are held liable no matter the situation or circumstances. The only defense to imposing strict liability is if the dog bite victim provoked the dog into biting. In other types of injury cases, the victim has to prove negligence in order to receive compensation.

Dog bite claims based on strict liability have a one-year statute of limitations. Subject to several exceptions, a dog bite victim must file a lawsuit within 1 year from the date of loss or his/her strict liability claim may be barred forever. Claims based on a dog owner’s negligence have a two-year statute of limitations.

Dog bite victims are typically compensated for their injuries by the dog owner’s homeowners policy. If the victim or the parents of the victim are contacted by an insurance carrier, please do not sign any document. You may be jeopardizing your health and signing away your legal rights. Since 1996, Brad Johnson Injury Law has successfully handled numerous cases involving dog bite attacks.

Please contact us immediately at (602) 650-1200 so we can compile evidence and maximize your damage recovery.