Pet Safety by Season Guide

This is general information, not veterinary, medical or legal advice. For an injured or aggressive animal, a bite, a pet attack or a suspected rabies exposure, call your doctor, your vet, local animal control, or the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

Reviewed by the editorial desk against the cited sources. The desk holds no wildlife-biology, veterinary or medical credential; see our editorial policy. Checked on 2026-11-14.

Many people want a calendar that says when coyotes are most dangerous to pets. The agencies we are allowed to cite do not give one for Arizona, and we will not make one up. This guide lists only the timing patterns they do state, marks where the sources are silent, and gives you a printable year-round checklist. It is part of our free coyote safety tools and supports the pet and child safety guide.

How to use it

1. Read the “what the sources say” table for the season you are in.
2. Use the printable checklist below every season; the basics do not change.
3. Where a cell says “no source,” do not assume safety. Keep the year-round steps.

What the sources say, by season

Season or time	What a source says	Source
Spring	Closing openings under buildings and mobile homes is even more critical, when many animals look for den sites	University of Arizona Extension
March through August	Pup-rearing season; coyotes more likely to attack dogs that come too near the den (California publication, 2007)	UC IPM
Dawn and dusk	Avoid walking pets at these times and use a leash	UC IPM
After dark	Large dogs should come inside; cats and small dogs stay indoors or in enclosed kennels	UC IPM
Summer	No source	None
Autumn	No source	None
Winter	No source	None

The UC IPM notes are a California publication from 2007. We use them only for general behavior advice and have not found an Arizona agency page stating the same dates. Ask AZGFD whether they apply where you live.

Printable checklist, every season

• Supervise pets outdoors; do not let them roam freely.
• Keep pets on a leash whenever they are out of the yard.
• Keep cats and small dogs indoors or in enclosed kennels; bring large dogs in after dark.
• Avoid walking pets at dawn or dusk if you can.
• Feed pets indoors or remove leftover food immediately.
• Secure garbage and keep bird seed off the ground; see the yard attractant audit.
• Keep pets current on rabies vaccines (CDC).
• If a coyote approaches, keep your pet close and keep your distance. Do not haze a coyote that looks sick, is cornered, or may be guarding pups or a den; leave the area and call.
• After any contact between a pet and a wild animal, call your vet and local animal control.

When a coyote approaches

The UC IPM coyote notes say that if a coyote approaches you, shout in a deep voice, wave your arms and back away slowly without turning your back. AZGFD’s brochure describes making wildlife uncomfortable with loud noises. We do not describe weapons or projectiles, and we do not advise hazing an animal that looks sick or may have pups nearby.

Related

• What to do if you see a coyote
• Coyote FAQ
• Pima County animal control and wildlife calls
• A quick encounter checklist