Essential Tips to Keep Your Arizona Pets Safe from Wildlife

By: Karalyn McGee, Office Manager

October 21, 2025

Living in Arizona means sharing our beautiful, wild spaces with some incredible, though sometimes dangerous, neighbors. Coyotes, bobcats, javelina, hawks, and even rattlesnakes are a fact of life, especially in the greater Phoenix area.

While we should always aim to coexist, our first priority is the safety of our beloved pets. These animals are opportunistic, and small dogs or cats can look like an easy meal.

Here is your essential guide to predator-proofing your yard and protecting your pets from Arizona's native wildlife.

The Golden Rule: Never Leave Small Pets Unattended

Never leave your small pets outside unattended. This is the single most effective thing you can do to protect a cat or small-to-medium-sized dog.

• Leash Up: Always take small dogs out on a leash, even in a fenced yard. Coyotes can jump fences over six feet tall and are quick and brazen. A short, controllable leash is your best defense.

• The "Peak Hours" Rule: Coyotes are most active during dusk, night, and dawn. If your pet needs to go out during these times, you must go with them. Use a bright flashlight to scan the area for eye reflections.

• Indoor Cats: For their safety, and for the preservation of local bird populations, cats should be kept indoors. If you want to give your cat outdoor time, consider building a secure, roofed enclosure (often called a "catio").

  
  

Eliminate All Food and Water Attractants

You aren't trying to attract a coyote with an open invitation, but leaving attractants out is exactly what they're looking for. A coyote that finds food in your yard will come back.

• Pet Food & Water Bowls: Feed pets indoors. Bring all food bowls inside immediately after mealtime. Never leave a water source accessible overnight.

• Garbage: Secure trash cans with locking or tight-fitting lids, or use bungee cords.

• Fallen Fruit: If you have fruit trees (citrus, figs, etc.), clean up fallen fruit daily. Rotting fruit is a major draw for wildlife.

• Bird Seed: Bird feeders attract rodents and birds. Both are primary food sources for coyotes and hawks. If you feed birds, be diligent about cleaning up spilled seed on the ground.

  
  

Fortify Your Fence Line (Coyote-Proofing)

A standard block wall or wooden fence is often no match for a determined coyote, which can clear an 8-foot fence with ease. Do you live in an area with a lot of coyotes? If you own your home and your HOA allows, consider the following fencing modifications:

• Anti-Climb Rollers: For existing fences, consider installing coyote rollers: spinning aluminum tubes that mount to the top of your fence. When a coyote tries to get traction to jump over, the rollers spin, causing them to fall back down.

• Dig Guards (Aprons): Coyotes are excellent diggers. Attach an L-shaped fence apron made of heavy-gauge wire mesh to the bottom of your fence, extending it at least 1-2 feet horizontally along the ground on the outside of the fence. This prevents them from digging a tunnel.

• Fill the Gaps: Seal any small openings under gates or low-lying areas with rocks, hardware cloth, or heavy wire mesh.

  
  

Practice "Hazing" to Deter Bold Animals

Hazing is a humane way to instill a healthy fear of humans back into a coyote that has become too comfortable in a neighborhood. If you see a coyote in your yard or nearby, make yourself loud and scary until it completely retreats.

• Be Loud and Big: Shout loudly (a deep yell is more intimidating than a high-pitched scream). Wave your arms, stomp your feet, and throw small rocks or sticks in their direction (not at them) to encourage them to leave.

• Noise Makers: Carry an air horn, a whistle, or a "coyote shaker" (a can with pennies or rocks inside) when walking your pet.

• Use Water: Spray a bold coyote with a garden hose.

• Do NOT Run: Never turn your back or run away, as this can trigger a predator's chase response.

  
  

Be Mindful of Other Desert Dangers

While coyotes are a large concern, other Arizona wildlife pose threats that require specific precautions:

• Hawks and Owls (Birds of Prey): Large raptors can swoop down and carry off very small pets (especially puppies, kittens, and toy breeds). Never leave a pet under 15 pounds outside unsupervised, even during the day.

• Snakes (Especially Rattlesnakes): Snakes are active from spring through fall. Clear tall grass, brush, and rock/wood piles where they like to hide. Consider rattlesnake avoidance training for your dog, which teaches them to recognize and avoid the sight, smell, and sound of a snake.

• Javelina: These pig-like creatures are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened or have young with them. They can charge if cornered. If you see one, do not approach, give them a clear path to leave, and keep your dog leashed and far away.

• Bobcats and Mountain Lions: While less common in dense urban areas, they are excellent climbers and primarily prey on rabbits and rodents. Follow all the same rules for coyotes, as they are drawn to the same food sources.

  
  

By consistently removing attractants, strengthening your defenses, and supervising your pets, you create a safer environment for your whole family and encourage wildlife to stick to their natural, wild habitats.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karalyn McGee is the Office Manager at McGee Veterinary Service. With a bachelor’s degree in biology, she brings a strong scientific foundation to the administrative side of the clinic. When she isn't wrangling the clinic's logistics, Karalyn is usually found with her nose in a good book, enjoying camping trips, or chasing after a toddler.