The following is some basic information that residents should know about pet ownership in the Town of Gilbert:

• Enforcement of most laws and ordinances involving cats and dogs is the responsibility of Maricopa County Rabies and Animal Control.
• Maricopa County requires dogs four months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually.
• When on the dog owner’s property, the dog must be confined within a suitable enclosure on the dog owner's property or secured so the dog is confined entirely to the owner's property.
• When not on the dog owner’s property, the dog must be secured on a leash not to exceed six feet in length and directly under the owner's control.
• It is unlawful for any person to harbor a dog that barks or howls excessively in violation of Sec. 6-2 of the Gilbert Code.

Dogs

 Please review our Doggie Do's and Don'ts! Laws regarding dogs include:

• Arizona State Leash Law
• Gilbert Code: Section 6  – Division 2- Dogs
• Sec. 6-60. Running at large. 
• Sec. 6-61. Liability of owners. 
• Sec. 6-62. Disposal of fecal matter. 

Stray Cats

With cats, as is the case for dogs, Gilbert adheres to those animal control laws adopted by Maricopa County. There are no leash or license laws for cats and no agency pick up services available for stray or feral cats. This means there are very few options to control stray and feral cats. However, it does not mean cat owners are released from liability for damages caused by their cats should you file a claim against them in civil court.  Before filing any civil claim, however, it is recommended to first talk to the pet owners to resolve any issues with their cats.  If speaking with the pet owner does not resolve the situation, there are several deterrents you can try to discourage cats from entering your yard.

*Please note that the Gilbert Code prohibits feeding or placing food for any wild or feral animals on public property.  See Sec. 6-7 and 46-79. In addition, it is a crime under state law to feed wildlife except under very limited circumstances. See A.R.S. 13-2927 for more information.

• Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Rehabilitator Page- Contains a map of rehabbers across the state and the number to dispatch for larger animal concerns
• Liberty Wildlife – Removal and rehab of wild animals on private property
• Wild at Heart – Removal and rehab of wild raptors on private property – 24 hour emergency line 480-595-5047
• East Valley Wildlife – Removal and rehab of birds and small mammals
• AZ Herpetological Society – Rattlesnake Removal for a fee 602-550-7029 and reptile pet surrender 
• Southwest Wildlife – Living with Wildlife Information Page

Domestic Animals:

• Donletitloose.org – Animal rehoming resources
• Maricopa County Animal Care and Control - 602-506-7387 - For dogs-at-large, licensing, bites and vicious dogs. Lost and Found Pet Map available.
• AZ Humane Society - 602-997-7585 - For injured or sick animals or to report animal cruelty
  • Humane Society's Discouraging Free-Roaming Cats Fact Sheet
• Maricopa County Sheriff's Office - 602-876-1681 - To report animal cruelty
• Animal Defense League of Arizona - 602-273-7842
• Spay Neuter Hotline: 866-952-SPAY (7729), or e-mail feralcats@adlaz.org
• Altered Tails: 602-943-SPAY (7729)
• Animal Law Resource Center