Can my dog run loose?
No, it is unlawful to allow your dog to run loose.
All dogs must be leashed and kept under control when
not properly contained. It is also unsafe for the
dog as it could get hit by a car, lost or stolen, or
get in a fight with another dog. Violators may
receive a notice, written warning or citation, which
is a class one misdemeanor with a maximum $2500
fine, 6 months in jail, or both. (see Mesa City Code
6-4-7, Dog at Large).
Can my cat run loose?
There are no laws regarding cats. They are
allowed to roam, but be aware they may face dangers
if allowed to run free. They may get taken by a
coyote, hit by a car, be poisoned either
intentionally or unintentionally, be trapped, or be
exposed to harmful diseases such as feline leukemia,
feline immunodeficiency, or rabies. The life
expectancy of an indoor cat is three times that of
an outdoor cat.
How many horses can I have?
You must have 35,000 sq. ft. of land in order to
have livestock. The number of livestock allowed will
be based on animal points and land points. (See Mesa City Code 8-6-21.B.).
What is livestock?
Animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats,
pigs, donkeys, and mules are livestock. Mesa also
considers buffalo, llamas, and large flightless
birds such as emus, ostriches, rheas, and
cassowaries as livestock.
Can I have a pig in Mesa?
Pigs are allowed only if kept by a student
participating in an approved agricultural education
program such as FFA or 4-H. Miniature pigs, kept as
personal pets, are limited to no more than two such
pigs on one land parcel. (See Mesa
City Code 8-6-21.K.).
Are chickens allowed in Mesa? How about
roosters?
You may have up to 10 chickens on the first
one-half acre or less provided any enclosure is at
least 40 feet from any neighboring residence, any
coop is at least 75 feet from any other residence,
it is kept sanitary and they are not allowed to run
loose or create a noise disturbance. A rooster is
also allowed as long as it does not violate any of
the above regulations. (See Mesa City Code 8-6-21.A,
G, H, and I).
Can I ride my horse in the street?
Yes. A horse is considered a method of
transportation and should be ridden in the street or
on designated trails. All traffic laws must be
obeyed.
What if my neighbor doesn't clean up after his
dogs?
A person must clean up animal feces and not
allow their property to be offensive to sight or
smell. Call 480-644-2268 to report violations. (See
Mesa City Code 8-6-28).
Is there a limit on the number of dogs and
cats I can have?
No. There are no number restrictions for dogs or
cats. There can be violations pertaining to
noise, cleanliness, animals at large, operating a
business, etc.
How do I make a complaint about a barking dog?
What if I want to remain anonymous?
You need to get the exact address for the problem
dog and provide details of the disturbance in order
to make a complaint. The dog owner will be contacted by
mail, making them aware of the problem and offering
solutions. If the problem
continues and you want something else done, you
would need to be willing to testify in court as the
victim. On an animal noise
disturbance, you are the victim, not the
officer and not the City. To aid in successful
prosecution, the victim must provide documentation.
We suggest at least a week's worth of documentation
showing specific dates, times, and duration of the
disturbances, to show that the barking is an
on-going and offensive problem. Mesa Animal Control
does not accept anonymous complaints so you will
need to provide your name and number,
however your information is for internal use only and will not be
released. (See Mesa City Code
6-12-2.D)
What should I do if I find a snake?
Keep animals and everyone away from it as it may be
poisonous. Call Mesa Animal Control at 480-644-2268 and an
Animal Control Officer will come out and remove the
snake. If possible, native snakes are released in a
more suitable location.
Where do animals go when they are impounded?
All animals impounded by Mesa Animal
Control are taken to the Maricopa County Animal Care
and Control shelter at 2630 W. 8th Street in Mesa.
Occasionally an animal is severely injured so the
officer may take it to an emergency veterinarian.
You should call the Mesa Animal Control
office at 480-644-2268 to check if the animal went to a vet.
What do we do about dead animals?
The city contracts with an independent
contractor to pickup dead animals found on the
street. Residents whose pet dies can also request a
pickup at no charge. The animals must be bagged or
boxed, placed at the curb, and weigh less than 150
pounds. This service is provided from 6:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. daily.
What should I do if I suspect animal abuse?
Call the Mesa Animal Control at
480-644-2268, with the information. An Animal
Control Officer will investigate and take
appropriate action.
What if I see an animal locked in a hot car?
This is an extremely dangerous situation for the
animal as the inside temperature can exceed 120
degrees in a very short time. Get as much
information about the vehicle, specific location,
condition of the animal, etc. and call the Mesa
Animal Control at 480-644-2268.
What should be done if someone gets bitten by
an animal?
Bite reports are required by law for all dogs, cats,
and mammals such as ferrets, cows, horses, skunks,
bats, etc. due to the concern for rabies, a fatal
disease. Bite reports are not necessary for rodent or
rabbit bites. Call Mesa Animal Control at
480-644-2268, a report will be taken and the animal
is quarantined. If the animal is properly vaccinated
for rabies, a home quarantine will most likely be
allowed. If the animal is not properly vaccinated
for rabies, it will need to be quarantined at either
the County Shelter or a veterinarian, at the owner's
expense. At the end of the quarantine period, the
health of the animal and victim will be checked. It
is recommended that you consult your doctor as
animal bites often cause severe infection due to
bacteria. (See Mesa City Code 6-4-9).
Should my dog be licensed?
Yes. All dogs in Maricopa County are to be
properly vaccinated for rabies and licensed. The
vaccination may be good for one or three years, but
the license must be renewed every year through
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (See Mesa
City Code 6-4-3A).
What should I do if I lose my dog or cat?
Go to the shelter at 2630 W. 8th Street in Mesa
and see if it has been impounded by either Mesa
Animal Control, Mesa Police, or taken there by another
citizen. You will be responsible for any fees that
may occur. It is important that your dog be licensed
so if it is taken to the shelter, they have a way to
contact you. It is also good to microchip your
animals.
How do I adopt a pet?
Many wonderful animals are available for
adoption at the County Shelter, 2630 W. 8th Street
in Mesa. Bring one home today!
