How Many Dogs Should Be Walked Together?
By WebVet.com
New legislation in San Francisco is aimed at regulating the professional dog walking industry. Among other things, the bill would cap the number of dogs a pro can walk at any one time to eight -- plus a personal dog.
The bill also would require commercial dog walkers to undergo training, ensure that their vehicles are safe for transporting animals, carry liability insurance and pay to obtain a permit. The permits could cost up to $250 with an annual renewal of up to $100.
Supervisor Scott Weiner, who introduced the bill, initially wanted the number of dogs that could be walked at a time capped at seven, but he raised the limit based on public response, noting that "about 80 percent of the feedback received supported eight dogs, while 10 percent wanted more and 10 percent wanted six dogs."
However, some worry eight dogs is too many for one person to manage. Rebecca Katz, director of the city's Animal Care and Control Department, told the San Francisco Chronicle that she worried so many pups would impair the dog walker's ability to properly manage the canines -- and clean up after them.
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