Mesa City Code Online

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 first have one acre of land in order to have livestock. With one acre, you would be able to have 2 head. For each additional head, .5 acre is required. (See Mesa City Code 6-4-20B).

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?
No. Pigs, hogs or shoats are not allowed in city limits. However, real pot-bellied pigs that are kept as pets are allowed as long as there are no complaints regarding smell, unsanitary premises, flies, noise, running loose, etc.  (See Mesa City Code 6-20H).

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 480-644-2211 to report violations. (See Mesa City Code 6-4-28).

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 cannot 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 call the Mesa Police non-emergency number at 480-644-2211. 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 will not be able to remain anonymous. On a noise disturbance, you are the victim, not the officer and not the City. As the victim, you would need to be willing to testify in court. 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. If you, as the victim, are willing to testify in court, have specific documentation and want prosecution, a citation can be issued.

What should I do if I find a snake?
Keep animals and everyone away from it as it may be poisonous. Call Mesa Police at 480-644-2211 and an Animal Control Officer will come out and remove the snake. If possible, native snakes are released in a more suitable location.

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 6-4-20A, C, D, and E).

Where do animals go when they are impounded?
All animals impounded by the Mesa Police Animal Control are taken to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter at 2630 W. 8th Street in Mesa. Occasionally an animal is severly injured so the officer may take it to an emergency veterinarian. You should call the Mesa Police Animal Control office to check if it 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 Police non-emergency number, 480-644-2211, 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 Police non-emergency number at 480-644-2211.

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. 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.

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 Police Animal Control 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!