Should Seattle Regulate Professional Dog Walkers?

Seattle has a lot of dogs. According to a recent Seattle Times article on off-leash areas, many urban residents are choosing to delay or forgo having children and are embracing pet parenthood instead. An essential service for busy professionals, dog walkers get furry friends outside, exercised, and socialized. However, dog walkers bring plenty of risk to the reward of an exercised animal. The owner can be liable to the walker for injuries and damage to other dogs or property. The dog walker could be liable for health code violations, and lost or injured animals. A contract for services between owner and walker would be essential, but should there be additional safeguards for both parties? 

San Francisco - Commercial Dog Walker Permits

Professional dog walkers in San Francisco must meet permit requirements set by San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC). The walker must have four dogs but no more than eight at a time. Health and safety rules mandate that leashes be less than eight feet long, pet waste is removed, safety equipment available and drinking water provided as needed. Walkers must carry a $1M liability insurance policy.  If the dogs are transported by the walker, the vehicle must be inspected by SFACC. A permit will be issued to people with three years experience, current employees of a registered dog walking service, or those who successfully pass a training course. Pet first aid and CPR are recommended. SFACC’s permits are renewed annually, and are enforced by the Parks Department, SFACC, the Utilities Commission and the Port of SF. 

The National Park Service

At some locations, the NPS allows professional dog walking services for 3 - 6 dogs in National Parks.  Since the activity is for monetary gain, a permit is required. This is a dramatically different approach than SFACC as it views walking services as concessions and a revenue opportunity. Still, the business must provide proof of liability insurance, a valid business license, and completion of an authorized dog walking course.

Marymoor Park

Closer to home, Marymoor Park in Redmond is the oldest and largest King County Park. It has a 40 acre off-leash area (OLA) that requires professional dog walkers to obtain and display a certification as a concessionaire during use of the OLA. The county issues permits to eight professional dog walking services annually. These are selected by lottery each year. Walking services are required to have a valid business license, insurance, and a concession permit. They must wear identification and bring no more than 10 dogs to the OLA. 

Conclusion

San Francisco’s approach to commercial dog walking services is a real regulatory approach to this service. It elevates dog walkers to a profession by its many requirements. The National Park Service and Marymoor Park view the services as opportunities to collect funds by defining commercial dog walkers as concessionaires. To be fair, concession permits that require valid business licenses and insurance benefit everyone. Note that the regulations for the NPS require citizens that make money from public parks pay for the privilege, while King County Parks may require concession permits.