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Sep 28, 2026
A dog is a man’s best friend but, even the best-behaved dogs can be dangerous. In Arizona, a dog owner is liable for bites by the dog regardless of any earlier knowledge of bad behavior by his dog.
Many people believe the old rule that “One Free Bite” still applies. Under the “One Free Bite” rule, a dog owner was only responsible if the dog has bitten before or the owner knew the dog was aggressive/dangerous. Arizona statute (A.R.S. sec 11-1025) changed this requirement of prior knowledge and ended the “One Free Bite” rule.
In Arizona, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by a dog bite. The owner is liable if the dog bite takes place in a public place or when a person is lawfully in a private place. In other words, a dog owner is responsible if you are a guest in a dog owner’s home or out in a public place like the park, shopping center or just walking down the street.
Because the time to bring a lawsuit (statute of limitations) for strict liability claims against dog owners is shorter (one year) than other injuries, it is important to speak early with an experienced, personal injury attorney. Marc Bleaman has experience representing dog bite victims of all ages. In fact, as a former defense attorney, Mr. Bleaman is one of very few Chandler dog bite attorneys in Arizona with experience defending dog bite cases (up and through jury trial). This unique experience gives Mr. Bleaman insight into how insurance companies handle these claims and allows him to anticipate the defenses and navigate the claim processes.
Mr. Bleaman spent the early part of his career defending insurance companies, including time as in-house counsel for a national insurance company, before dedicating his practice to representing injury victims. That background gives him a former insurance-defense lawyer’s perspective that shapes how he evaluates and pursues dog bite claims today.
He has been practicing in Arizona courts since 1995, giving him decades of firsthand experience with how these cases move through the Arizona court system.
In Arizona, there are only two defenses to strict liability, dog bite lawsuit: provocation and trespassing. Arizona law exempts an animal owner from liability for a dog bite if the injured person provoked the animal. Examples of animal provocation include kicking, hitting, pulling ears, or taking away food. A dog owner can also avoid liability for a dog bite by showing a person was trespassing at the time of the bite. Trespassing can also apply to a person who is a guest on private property but goes into a room or area of the property they were not invited or allowed to enter.
2025 UPDATE: OWNERS MUST NOW SHARE CONTACT INFORMATION AFTER A BITE
Arizona’s dog bite statute was amended in 2025. Governor Katie Hobbs signed the change into law on May 7, 2025, and it added a new requirement to A.R.S. section 11-1025.
Under the amended statute, a person who owns or is responsible for the care of a dog that bites someone in a public place, or while the person is lawfully on private property, must now provide that owner’s contact information to the person who was bitten.
This is separate from the existing duty under A.R.S. section 11-1014, which still requires an unvaccinated dog that bites a person to be quarantined for at least ten days.
The new contact-information requirement makes it harder for an owner to avoid responsibility simply by leaving the scene, and it gives bite victims one more tool for building a strict liability claim.
ANIMALS AT LARGE
Not all animal injuries are caused by bites. Serious injuries can result when an animal knocks into or jumps on a person causing them to fall.
The State of Arizona also imposes liability regardless of fault on anyone who allows an animal to run “at large” and causes injury to a person or damage to property. A.R.S. Sec 11-1020 statute applies to non-dog bite injuries such as when an animal jumps on or scratches someone. Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., has represented individuals who were knocked down by dogs causing extensive injuries including serious pelvic fractures. The “at large” statute applies to animals who are off-leash or not contained in a private area (like a yard).
Liability can be imposed against the animal owner or the person with control of the animal. The shorter, one-year statute of limitations applies to the strict liability, “at large” statute as well as the animal bite statute.
Arizona also allows claims based upon common law negligence when an owner of animal knows or has reason to know the animal vicious or dangerous tendencies or fails to take reasonable steps to control the animal.
Dog bites can result in horrific, life-long injuries and scars, devastating victims and their families. If you or a family member has been injured by an animal, seek immediate medical attention for the injury and notify the appropriate authorities including law enforcement and animal control.
If the bite happened in the Tucson area, you can also report it directly to Pima Animal Care Center, which handles bite investigations and the required quarantine period for Pima County residents.
For a free initial, consultation regarding a dog bite or animal-related injury, call Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., to discuss how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Dog Bite Claims
Do I have to report a dog bite to the authorities?
Yes. Arizona counties require dog bites to be reported to the local animal control agency, and the biting dog is generally subject to a quarantine period. In Maricopa County, bites are reported to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, while Pima County residents report to Pima Animal Care Center. Reporting the bite also creates an official record that can support a later injury claim.
Does it matter what breed of dog bit me?
No. Under A.R.S. section 11-1025, the breed of the dog cannot be used by a court or hearing officer to decide whether the dog was aggressive or whether liability exists. Strict liability applies the same way regardless of breed.
What if I was bitten while pet sitting or dog walking for someone else?
You may still have a claim. As long as you were lawfully present, whether as an invited guest, a paid pet sitter, or someone performing a duty imposed by law, the strict liability statute can apply. The owner’s defenses are still limited to provocation and trespassing.
Can a landlord or property manager be liable for a tenant’s dog bite?
Sometimes, but the analysis is different from the owner’s strict liability. A landlord may face liability under ordinary negligence principles if the landlord knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act. These cases require a different legal theory than a claim against the dog’s owner.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite in Arizona?
Dog bite victims can typically pursue compensation for medical treatment, scar revision or plastic surgery, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because scarring and nerve damage from a dog bite are sometimes permanent, it is worth discussing the long-term impact of an injury with an attorney before settling a claim.
Talk to a Tucson Dog Bite Attorney Today
Arizona’s strict liability law and the new contact-information requirement both work in favor of bite victims, but the one-year filing deadline works against you if you wait. If you or a loved one was hurt by someone else’s dog, reach out today for a free consultation about your options.
Arizona Dog Bite Resources:
