Pet Central
When it comes to our furry friends, we just can’t say no to those adorable faces! The Town of Fountain Hills has been described as one of the most Pet Friendly towns in the valley!
This page is a resource for all things four-legged! Find local resources, laws and regulations all in one spot.
Dog Park
One of the town’s most used amenities is the Off-Leash Recreational Facility or Desert Vista Dog Park. The Dog Park is a 3-acre fenced facility that allows pet owners the opportunity to let their dogs run free. Dogs must be licensed and have proper vaccinations. The Dog Park is divided into 2 fenced areas, 1 for larger dogs and the other for smaller canines. The large/active dog area can be accessed from entrances on either Tower Drive or Desert Vista. The small/passive dog area can only be accessed from Tower Drive.
Click link to download Desert Vista Dog Park Rules.
DESERT VISTA DOG PARK RULES:
1. Dogs must wear a visible and current license.
2. Dogs must be physically restrained by a leash not to exceed 6 feet until completely inside the enclosed facility and when returning to the parking lot.
3. A limit of three dogs per handler at one time.
4. Female dogs in heat and unneutered male dogs are not permitted within the facility.
5. Gates must be kept closed at all times after entrance/exit.
6. Dog handlers must be within the facility and supervise their dogs at all times.
7. Dog waste must be removed and properly disposed of in the receptacles located throughout the park.
8. Dog handlers may not allow their dogs to bark continuously.
9. No dogs known to be aggressive toward other dogs or people may enter the dog park.
10. Leash/remove your dog at the first sign of aggression. Handler must carry a leash, not to exceed 6 feet for each doer their care.
11. An adult must accompany/supervise children under 15 at all times. Children need to behave in an appropriate manner: no running, no chasing dogs, no petting of other dogs unless the owner/handler grants permission.
12. No skateboards, in-line skates or bicycles in the dog park.
13. The dog handler must repair any damages done to the park (ex. digging).
14. All dog handlers who fail to comply with these rules can be asked to leave or be cited if appropriate. Repeat offenders may be banned from the park.
15. Users of this park do so at their own risk. The Town of Fountain Hills shall not be liable for any injury or damages sustained in this park. Dog owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions and are liable for any injuries caused to their dogs.
In case of dog attacks call 911 then notify Maricopa Animal Control at (602)506-7387
Animal Control Services
The Town of Fountain Hills is now working with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for all animal control services.
This productive partnership aims to ensure animal control services continue to meet the needs of residents while also safeguarding animal welfare. Services include management of bite cases, control of potentially dangerous animals and enforcement of Town Code.
Residents who need to contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control can do so by contacting their public call center line at 602-506-7387.
Local Agencies and Organizations
Pal's Inn Pet Resort
Pal's Inn Pet Resort provides boarding services for your four-legged friend and has been a fixture in the community since 2007. This beloved community organization is also known for taking in lost pets and helping reunite them with their rightful owners.
You can reach Pal's Inn Pet Resort by calling (480)-837-0069 or by email at mail@palsinnpetresort.com.
Rescue Pals
A 501 (c) (3) non-profit, dog rescue and rehabilitation organization that partners with Pal's Inn Pet Resort. They can be reached at RescuePals85268@gmail.
Fearless Kitty Rescue
Fearless Kitty Rescue is dedicated to providing a safe place for cats in need until they can be adopted into a loving home. They can be reached at (480) 837-7777 and are located along the Avenue of the Fountains.
ADOG Inc
ADOG Inc, is a 501(c)3, established 27 years ago to promote the well-being of Fountain Hills dogs and their owners. Today, ADOG is the liaison between the Town and the Dog Park and has contributed toward improvements at the Dog Park. ADOG has helped to promote a vibrant and caring community of pet owners.
You can contact ADOG via email at adogfhaz@gmail.com.
Laws and Regulations
Dogs Not Permitted at Large: "Leash Law"
Town Code specifies proper ways to handle pets out in public. While an overwhelming majority of all pet parents properly use leashes when walking their furry friends, occasional instances of dogs at large can cause an unsafe environment for both the pet and other members of the public.
Article 6-2-5 of Town Code specifies the regulation, noting: No person shall intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently permit, allow or cause a dog to be at large within the Town boundaries.
Allowing an at-large dog can result in a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Do Your Doo Diligence and Pickup After Your Pet
Please help keep our community clean and free of pet waste. Pet stations are located throughout the community and along major walking trails. Please properly dispose of pet waste, your community thanks you!
Considerations When Welcoming a New Pup
Spay/Neuter
By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis. Millions of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also select health benefits for the animals when opting for this.
Licensing Your Dog
In Maricopa County, all dogs three months and older must be licensed. All dogs in Unincorporated Maricopa County, Apache Junction, Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, City of Glendale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Youngtown must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. You can get your dog licensed through Maricopa County.
Socializing Your Pet
According to the Animal Humane Society, the greatest window of learning in a dog’s life starts around 3 weeks of age and closes between 16 and 20 weeks. This period allows puppies to be exposed to a wide variety of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations without becoming fearful. Puppies who miss out on these experiences may never learn to be comfortable around unfamiliar things, paving the way for anxiety, fear, and aggression later on in life.
Some tips include:
Introduce your puppy to several new people every day, keeping the interactions pleasant and unthreatening. Focus especially on setting up pleasant encounters with unfamiliar men and well-behaved children. Young puppies should be cuddled and handled daily by as many different people as possible. Keep the contact gentle and pleasant for the puppy. Acclimate your puppy to lots of different sounds, being careful not to overwhelm him with too much noise too fast.
Additional Tips
- Make sure your pet has been microchipped so they can always be identified
- Make sure your pet is vaccinated and all shots are current and up to date
- Obedience training can be great for your both your pup and you! Look for local trainers who specialize in specific breeds and/or temperaments.