J
By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Arizona is one of the strictest dog-bite states in the country. Owners are held strictly liable for bites, meaning a victim usually does not have to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner was careless.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 11-1025 — Strict liability — a dog owner is liable for a bite that occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
A.R.S. § 11-1020 — The strict-liability dog-bite action must be brought within one year, a shorter window than ordinary injury claims.
A.R.S. § 12-542 — A two-year option may apply for a common-law negligence claim, which has different proof requirements.
⏱ Key deadline
The strict-liability dog-bite claim has a short 1-year deadline (A.R.S. § 11-1020).
How dog bite cases work in Maricopa County
Most dog-bite claims are paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. The key strategic choice is between the one-year strict-liability statute and a two-year negligence theory, which an attorney can evaluate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to prove the dog bit before?
No. Under A.R.S. § 11-1025, Arizona imposes strict liability — the ‘one free bite’ rule does not apply.
How long do I have to file?
The strict-liability claim must be filed within one year; a negligence claim may have two years. The shorter deadline often controls.
Who pays for a dog-bite injury?
Typically the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance, depending on the policy.
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Disclaimer: AZAttorneyFinder is an independent attorney directory, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This page is general legal information about Arizona law, reviewed against the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arizona attorney about your specific situation. Statutes change — verify current law before relying on it.