Barking Dog

Barking dogs can present a major problem within urban areas such as Chandler. While some people are very tolerant of dog barking, other citizens are sensitive to the disturbance. It is important to remember that many of our neighbors work various shifts and may be sleeping at times when we aren’t home and our dog could be barking. The ideal solution is to talk to your neighbor and resolve the issue. If the situation cannot be resolved, charges may be filed against the dog owner. The complainant (person disturbed by the barking dog) will begin this process by filing a formal complaint.

A complainant is required for an officer to respond to a barking dog call. The complainant must be willing to give their name and testify in court. An officer will not respond if you are unwilling to give this information. However, there are still remedies available if you do not wish to be a named complainant.

If you do not want to be a named complainant, you can call the barking dog hotline at 480-782-BARK (2275).

First Steps to Resolve Problem

If there is a problem with barking dogs, it is helpful to talk to or leave a note for the animal owner. Although this may be difficult to do at first, communicating with the animal owner is usually the most effective way to resolve the problem.

Talk to your neighbor

• Try to talk to your neighbor when you are not frustrated about the barking. They may not know that their dog is barking. Most dogs bark when the owner is away;
• When you approach your neighbor, be calm and plan to discuss the barking in a friendly manner;
• Inform them of the time of day or night that the dog is barking;
• Ask the neighbor whether you can contact them, day or night, when the barking is a problem.

If leaving a note for your neighbor

• Explain what the dog does when the family is away from the residence;
• Choose words that are not offensive or intimidating to the dog owner;
• If you feel safe doing so leave them your name, telephone number or address so they can respond to your letter. An anonymous letter doesn’t help the neighbor determine why the dog may be barking. It is helpful if they have someone to talk with to determine when and why their dog might be barking.

Solve It Mediation

• Provides a process for expressing feelings, discussing issues and creating resolutions that will work for the involved parties;
• Provides intervention during the early stages of the conflict, and an alternative to the judicial system at any stage of the conflict; and
• Provides more information on Solve It’s website.

The Process to File a Barking Dog Complaint

• Talk to your neighbor.
• Document dates and times when dog is barking.
• Use audio and or video to further document.
• Gather all evidence (written logs and audio/video).
• Call the non-emergency number 480-782-4130 to request an officer respond. Reminder: an officer will not respond if you do not wish to be named as a complainant.
• Obtain report number from officer and document any further problems.
• Appear and testify in court if needed and when requested.

Barking Dog Forms

Barking Dog Incident Log

Barking Dog Reporting Form

Barking Dog Hotline

You may call the Barking Dog Hotline at 480-782-BARK (2275) to have information sent to a barking dog owner in your neighborhood or to receive a Barking Dog Information Packet by mail. Please include names and addresses in the message so information can be mailed.