1. First, stay safe
Check the yard before letting animals out; supervise small pets; use a suitable leash on walks.
START HERE / EVERYDAY PET AND SERVICE-ANIMAL SAFETY
I'm worried about my pet
Plan before going outside rather than waiting for a close encounter.
← All Coyote Safety resourcesWhat to do
2. Take practical precautions
Avoid leaving pet food outside; assess gates, fences and pet doors; plan a safe retreat route during walks.
3. Consider the situation
If you see a coyote, maintain distance, keep control of your animal and leave without running toward the coyote. Do not let a pet chase wildlife.
4. Know where to turn
If your pet is injured or bitten, contact a veterinarian promptly. Report threatening wildlife behavior to the appropriate agency.
What the guidance does—and doesn't—establish
A fenced yard is not automatically predator-proof; the right precautions depend on the property and animal.
These are general prevention and safety recommendations, not a diagnosis, a guarantee of effectiveness, or a substitute for professional advice.
Sources and further reading
Arizona wildlife contact: For a coyote acting aggressively toward people, AZGFD lists its 24-hour Communications Center at 623-236-7201. Call 911 for an immediate human safety emergency. AUCA is not a response or dispatch service.
What the source supports
AZGFD warns that a six-foot fence alone may not protect small pets and recommends supervision, leashes and roofed enclosures when needed.
Read the source guidance directly, including any local restrictions and updated agency instructions.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Living with Coyotes ↗
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Living with Wildlife ↗
Source links are provided for independent verification. These links are Arizona agency guidance, not proof of the effectiveness of every intervention. An AUCA printable worksheet is available above; independent research remains under review. Page prepared October 2026.
DOG-WALKING RESEARCH UPDATE
Keep your dog close and leave room to move
Arizona Game and Fish recommends supervising pets, using suitable leashes, and preventing contact with wildlife. A fenced yard is not automatically safe for small pets. Before a walk, consider where you can see ahead and how you would safely change direction. Do not let a dog chase a coyote. No precaution guarantees that an encounter will not occur.
For service animals, the U.S. Department of Justice service-animal FAQ ↗ explains that some handlers cannot use a tether because of disability or interference with assistance tasks; control is still required. This is legal accessibility context, not evidence about coyote encounters. Do not change essential assistance equipment solely on the basis of this page.