The Solution
Dog care businesses need to be regulated in Texas. Dogs are part of our families and should be protected as such. Residents in Texas should be able to hire dog care businesses with the confidence that they have, at a minimum, met the state’s requirements to operate.
Dog families should still do additional research to find the best service providers, but the state should provide a solid starting point that significantly reduces the risk involved with trusting someone to care for our dogs. In addition to creating minimum requirements, there should be consequences when a business fails to comply with state regulations.
These businesses should be required to
- pass certain training courses
- maintain a license to operate
- purchase business insurance
- pass annual facility inspections
- Must attend a groomer training course/get a certificate.
- Must obtain a groomer license.
- Sworn statement on background eligibility.
- License can be revoked or suspended.
- Facility certificate required and must be posted.
- Must maintain a list of employees.
- Must require a background check of all employees.
- Must maintain facility hygiene and conditions so as to not endanger pets.
- Implement precautions to ensure animals are not abused.
- Provide means for the owners of dogs to observe the boarding, training, grooming, etc.
- Ensure all pets are up to date on vaccines and microchips.
- Report all injuries or deaths.
- Maintain accurate records of customers for two years.
- Businesses registration can be denied, suspended or revoked.
In addition to requiring a license, these licenses should be able to be revoked. Some of the reasons a permit could be revoked are:
- Failure to comply with the provisions of the permit
- Failing an annual inspection
- Conviction of a noise disturbance or public nuisance
- Providing false information
- Conviction of animal cruelty
How do we do this?
We need to work with state representatives to pass legislation that requires regulation of dog care businesses.
The businesses that fall into the category of the “dog care” industry are:
- Dog boarders
- Dog daycares
- Dog trainers
- Dog groomers
- Dog walkers
Similar to other industries, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has the means to take this on. The fees from annual licenses and facility inspections will cover the costs to regulate these businesses. At a minimum, this program will be a break even for the state, adding no additional costs for taxpayers.
While some may argue that increased regulations are a strain on these small businesses, we have to remind them that dogs are special animals that are part of our families and deserve this type of protection.