Commercial dog walkers in San Francisco are now required to carry a permit under an ordinance that took effect today.
The ordinance, approved by the Board of Supervisors last year, imposes new regulation including a requirement that no more than eight dogs be walked at one time.
Dog walkers must obtain a permit with the city at the annual cost of $240.
People walking four or more dogs at a time will be required to carry the permit, which is issued by the city’s Department of Animal Care and Control.
The ordinance, written by Supervisor Scott Wiener, is intended to support and legitimize the dog walking industry while also protecting the city’s parks and other public property.
Violations of the ordinance will result in fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense within a year, and a fine of up to $500 for each subsequent offense, according to the ordinance.
More information about the legislation can be found online at www.helpacc.org/SFDogWalkerLaw.
Dan McMenamin, Bay City News
