Tempe Dog Off-Leash Hours & Waste Cleanup Rules

Parks and Public Spaces Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, dog owners must follow city rules on where and when animals may be off-leash and must remove pet waste promptly. This guide summarizes applicable local rules, who enforces them, how penalties are handled, and practical steps owners should take to stay compliant in Tempe public parks and designated dog areas.

Where dogs may be off-leash

Dogs are allowed off-leash only in designated dog park areas maintained by the City of Tempe and otherwise must be on a leash in public parks and streets unless a specific city sign or rule states otherwise. For details on specific park locations and facility rules, see the City of Tempe dog parks page: City of Tempe dog parks[2].

Use only fenced, designated dog areas for off-leash exercise whenever possible.

Owner responsibilities for pet waste cleanup

Dog owners are required to remove and properly dispose of animal feces in public places and on private property not owned by the animal owner. Public parks and pathways typically require immediate pickup and disposal into appropriate trash receptacles. The City publishes rules and site-specific regulations on its parks page and the municipal code lists owner duties related to animals; exact procedural text and disposal requirements are set by those sources.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Tempe Code Compliance and the Tempe Police Department depending on circumstances. The municipal code and city enforcement pages set the authority and procedure for citations, but specific fine amounts for off-leash or failure-to-clean-up offenses are not specified on the cited pages. For the controlling municipal code text and enforcement authority see the City of Tempe municipal code and the Code Compliance page below. City of Tempe municipal code[1] Code Compliance[3]

  • Enforcing agencies: Tempe Code Compliance and Tempe Police Department.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits for contesting citations are governed by municipal code or court rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to comply, abatement, or court action may be used per enforcement authority; specific sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a citation, contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Using public dog parks generally does not require a permit or form; the City posts site rules on the dog parks page. If you need a special event permit or temporary variance, check the Parks & Recreation special event permit procedures; no routine dog-park use form is published on the cited pages.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Off-leash in non-designated public areas (ticket or warning).
  • Failure to pick up pet waste (citation or order to clean up).
  • Allowing aggressive behavior or nuisance barking (enforcement action or police response).
Keep a scoop and bags in your park kit to avoid common citations.

Action steps for owners

  • Confirm designated off-leash locations before visiting by checking the City of Tempe dog parks page (dog parks)[2].
  • Always carry waste bags and dispose of waste in provided receptacles or take it home.
  • Report unsafe conditions or repeated violations to Tempe Code Compliance (Code Compliance)[3].

FAQ

Can my dog be off-leash in any Tempe park?
No. Dogs may be off-leash only in designated dog park areas; in other parks and public rights-of-way a leash is required per city rules.
Who enforces pet waste and leash rules?
Tempe Code Compliance and the Tempe Police Department enforce leash and waste rules and may issue citations or orders to comply.
How do I report someone not picking up dog waste?
Report via Tempe Code Compliance online complaint or phone contact; use the City’s Code Compliance page for reporting options and contact details.

How-To

  1. Document the incident with date, time, location and photos if safe to do so.
  2. Note identifying details: owner description, dog appearance, and license tag if present.
  3. Submit a complaint to Tempe Code Compliance online or by phone with your evidence.
  4. Follow up with the issuing agency if you receive a citation or need to appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Use only designated dog parks for off-leash activity.
  • Always pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe municipal code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Tempe - Dog parks
  3. [3] City of Tempe - Code Compliance

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