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Anyone have advice on how to handle the new 3 dog max ordinance in Prov/EP, RI?

So the worst thing happened to me yesterday. As I'm boarding 2 dogs, and doing day care for another 3, the police showed up at my house. Apparently one of my neighbor's complained about excessive dog barking. I'd like to point out that it wasn't my dogs that were making the ruckus, it was actually both of my neighbors on either side of me, one who has a vicious dog that attacks the fence daily, and the other side that has a yapper who is upset that he can't play in my yard. Both were going nuts, and I was amazed that not a one of my dogs were even responding to them. They were having a great time and behaving. The kicker in this is that it didn't matter to the animal control officers, they saw that I had more than 3 dogs on my property, so the complaint was landing on me. Providence and East Providence recently put out a revised ordinance saying that it is unlawful for homeowners to have more than 3 dogs on their property. The only way around this would be to get a breeder permit, or a kennel license, which I was told I would not be able to get because they're reserved for commercial properties, and not residential areas. I own 3 of my own, so basically they're telling me I can no longer do Rover in the capacity that I have been doing for the last 9 months. I've built up quite a client base, and I'm completely devastated by this because I love my work. I had to cancel all my summer bookings, and took a huge hit in my Rover score because of this. Basically I'm looking for any suggestions. My family and I already considering a possible move to get us out of this predicament, but wanted to hear what everyone else has to say, and hopefully get the word out for any of my local fellow Rovers.

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Hey everyone, I'm sorry I didn't see all the responses to this post. My story had a happy ending. I've been back in business since 9/2018. We argued with zoning about the new state laws for RI, and finally got the all clear. RI Rovers can board without a kennel license, but a max of 4 clients.

Ashley F.

Ashley, can. Ask how you got this information ? From the Cory or the state? I need something in writing stating I don’t need a license up to four clients because I am trying to adopt a dog and adoption league is stating I need a kennel license ...

Heather & Frank R.

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Walt G.

Book a Stay
Woodbridge, VA

Unfortunately, many sitters run across the same problem with local ordinances all you can do is try to fight the antiquated laws, but that can prove to be very costly and take a long time. Everyone who sees this will feel bad for you and your situation but if you continue to operate your boarding/daycare biz you will likely be heavily fined.

Are you having any success with drop-ins or walks?

I wish you the best of luck

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Here's the kicker, its a new ordinance, just revised last year. It's designed to prevent excessive breeding and puppy mills. People who have four or more dogs in their family have been forced to give dogs up, or move. And sadly no, 99% of my business has come from boarding. It's a huge hit for me.

Ashley F.

Sorry Ashley I know this really sucks for you

Walt G.

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Ashley F.

Ok, so a few responses, and a huge update.
To Deb, I couldn't turn off boarding until Sunday because I had a stay that was booked until Saturday, and the app wouldn't let me until the stay was complete. Animal control was nice enough to understand I couldn't just send that dog back without the owners being home.
To Lenka, the ordinance is for residential properties. If I had a commercial property, I would be allowed a kennel license. I was told I wouldn't be able to get a kennel license for my residential property, and I do work out of my home. Boarding worked best because I have to be home with my kids, and the other option of house sitting was not a doable thing for me. The super great news is this though. The powers that be for RI have just recently passed and signed into law H7409 and S2510 Sub A. Both state that residential homes are not considered kennels, are now exempt from requiring a kennel license, and for a fee can board up to 4 dogs that do not belong to the proprietor. It was very specifically designed for in home pet care apps and people like Rover. There were a lot of emails to RI Rovers from the support team to write to our senators and get this pushed through, which it did with a unanimous vote from both the Senate and the House. It literally was signed into effect 2 days after animal control showed up at my house, the timing was awful. I'm currently just waiting on a call back from the zoning and animal control officers before I turn my Rover light back on. I should be back in business in a week or so. Thankfully all my clients were devastated by the news of losing me, and have all expressed how they wanted to know the second I was back up and running. Hopefully this won't be a complete waste of a summer despite this week long hiccup. Thanks for all the responses. I'll keep everyone updated as to how it goes with my town's officials.

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Good luck!!!!!! I hope all will be resolved very soon :)

Lenka L.

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Nick G.

Hi Ashley, Another resident of the Ocean State here! We just got notice from Pawtucket saying we were breaking zoning rules by running a dog sitting business out of our home. I'll respond with those new passed laws you found (really great info!) but hope that zoning laws don't overwrite them.

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I know a local sitter who was threatened with a $500 fine if she didn't cease her boarding business

Walt G.

Yeah, the threatened fine for us is $500 per offense, per day. Going to be calling zoning office as soon as I can with those laws. Luckily we have until September 23rd to either comply or get this figured out.

Nick G.

The municipal ordinances are supposed to take precedence, but my towns zoning officer gave me the go ahead because the state law is obviously written to help Rovers. I talked to Senator Coyne in person, she is a huge Rover supporter.

Ashley F.

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Lenka L.

Book a Stay
DENVER, CO

Does the new ordinance specifically say the license is for commercial properties only? Reach out to them directly and inquire about it. Just in case they would allow you to run your business from your home. If not, you may just offer house-sitting at their house. Good luck :)

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I know this post is months old but love an update. I am encountering the same issues in NJ but I received letter stating "Illegal business - Dog Care"

Patricia, Paul & Allison R.

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Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

First, you need to turn boarding Off on your profile (I see you added text about no longer boarding, but if someone looked at the availability shown on the calendar and service rates and didn't read the profile, you'll get more boarding requests.
Second, for your booked/returning clients, I'd suggest you explain the situation and rather than cancel boarding, ask if they'd be willing to convert them to another service, where you'd go to their home (call it multiple drop in visits or walks, probably offering cost adjustment discount so the price isn't so much more than boarding, and/or offer to spend more than the usual time with their pups, in recognition of their loyalty to your business as you work through other solutions)

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Anyone have advice on how to handle the new 3 dog max ordinance in Prov/EP, RI?

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