One week ago, SF Mayor Lee signed into law new regulations for professional dog walkers who walk their charges within city limits. For a city that has made news for having more canine citizens than children, the legislation has been a long time coming. In 2007, The Commission of Animal Control and Welfare had developed recommendations but it wasn't until Supervisor Scott Wiener took up the cause that the ball really started rolling.
On January 10, 2012, the SF Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass the new regulations. It wasn't a solo effort, representatives from a number of organizations, city departments and individual dog walkers commented and helped develop the current legislation. Nancy Stafford and Angela Gardner representing SF ProDog, were major contributors to the new legislation and were present at the time it was signed by Mayor Lee. The regulations will go into effect on January 1, 2013.
Angela Gardner, a well known and respected canine professional who owns and operates All About Paws Dog Walking in San Francisco. When asked if the new regulations would greatly impact current dog walkers, she responded "No, not greatly. Some dog walkers will have to change their business model and perhaps do more walks because the number has changed. Some may feel more comfortable walking more than they have in the past because it will be a legal number. There are additional costs for permits, insurance (most walkers have it already), vehicle requirements and education."
The new regulations are intended to increase safety for dogs being walked as well as the public at large and the lands being used. So what exactly are these new regulations? Stay tuned for the next article which will outline and detail the changes which go into effect next year.
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