Phoenix Tightens Dog Tethering Rules Ahead Of Dangerous Summer Heat

PHOENIX, AZ — With temperatures pushing past 100 degrees, Phoenix is cracking down on how dogs can be left tethered outside.

The Mayor and City Council approved updates to the city's animal cruelty ordinance on June 17, tightening rules around dog restraints on private property.

Under the new rules, dogs cannot be tethered, trolleyed or similarly restrained outdoors unless they're under their owner's direct supervision, meaning the dog stays within the owner's sight at all times.

The ordinance goes further during extreme weather. Dogs cannot be restrained outdoors at all when temperatures rise above 100 degrees, during heat advisories, monsoon activity or dust storm warnings.

Any restraint that is used must still allow the dog access to food, water, shade, dry ground and adequate shelter, and cannot limit natural movement or cause physical or emotional distress.

The minimum tether length was also shortened from 10 feet to six feet, a change officials say is meant to encourage supervised, short-term restraint rather than long-term tethering.

"Phoenix summers are intense, and our pets feel the heat too," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "These updates strengthen humane standards and give families clearer guidance on how to keep their dogs safe, especially during the hottest months of the year."

Animal-care experts say chronic tethering combined with inadequate shade or water can lead to heat-related emergencies, dehydration, burned paws on hot pavement and long-term physical or behavioral harm.

The updated rules also give police clearer enforcement standards. "These updates give officers clearer tools to intervene before a dog ends up in crisis," said Phoenix Police Commander Aimee Smith.

"Every summer, we see preventable emergencies. Stronger standards and clearer expectations help us protect animals and support the community in doing the right thing."

Residents can report suspected animal neglect to the Phoenix Police Department's Animal Crimes Detail. Anyone who sees an animal in immediate distress should call 911.

The updated ordinance takes effect in about 30 days.