What to do about barking dogs

Barking dogs can be a frustrating situation for both neighbors and pet owners. Here is some helpful information and resources to guide you through what to do if you're experiencing a nuisance animal issue.

Barking Dog Violations

Scottsdale City Code Sec. 4-17(c) states: No person shall knowingly keep or harbor any animal or fowl which by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or the making of other noises shall annoy or disturb a neighborhood or any two (2) or more persons, one (1) of which may be a police officer or an animal control officer.

Key things to know about this ordinance:

• The barking must be habitual—not a one-time event.
• The person reporting must be willing to press charges and participate in the court process.
• Police or Animal Control cannot act as victims; they can only help verify the nuisance.

First Steps You Can Take

1. Talk to your neighbor or apartment complex about the issue. Many dog owners don’t realize their pet is a problem when they’re away from home.
2. Leave this information packet with your neighbor. It’s a helpful, non-confrontational way to raise awareness.
3. Not comfortable talking to your neighbor? You can report barking dogs through ScottsdaleEZ for assistance.

Pro Tip: Use Scottsdale EZ!

Did you know you can report barking dogs (and a whole lot more) through the ScottsdaleEZ system?
It’s your all-in-one tool to report potholes, missed trash pickup, overgrown weeds, and—yes—even noisy pets.

Fast, easy, and accessible 24/7.
Report online, track updates, and stay in the know.
Visit ScottsdaleEZ to get started.

What About the Police?

You can call the Scottsdale Police, but remember:

• Most barking dog calls occur when owners aren't home.
• Officers cannot enter private property or impound a dog just for barking.
• Their first step will be to contact the owner with this information—just like Code Enforcement.

Mediation Option

Still barking after your first efforts? The city offers free mediation services to help neighbors come to a peaceful solution.

Apply for mediation

Legal Steps: Filing Charges

If nothing else works and you're ready to move forward legally:

1. A police officer or aide must verify the barking is habitual.
2. A case number may be opened and the neighbor notified.
3. A district staff member will manage the case.
4. If verified, charges may be submitted to the City Prosecutor.

You must be willing to follow through with the court process.

If You Live in an Apartment or HOA

Your complex or HOA should be your first stop.

• They can issue notices, fines, or even help relocate tenants.
• Police will not be able to solve barking problems while the owner is away.
• Your complex has the same info and tools the city does.

In Summary:

We get it—barking dogs can truly disrupt your peace with little recourse available to you in the moment for an immediate fix. 

Your best actions are:

• Start with your neighbor to talk about your concern
• Use ScottsdaleEZ to activate city of Scottsdale staff
• Contact a Community Officer or Constituent Services
• Request mediation
• Consider legal action if the above remedies prove ineffective

Download a printable version of this information packet.