score:
0

advice for zoning issues?

Heather L.'s profile image

I've been a http://rover.com sitter for over a year now and book most new business through http://rover.com for my overnight boarding and daycare services. We moved in July to a new house which we own and I was served with a citation stating I may not board overnight for pay in my home in this residential area. They are citing I am operating a commercial kennel. I disagree. I'm wondering if any other http://rover.com sitters have had experience with this same issue and how it was handled. Were you successful in continuing to operate your http://rover.com overnight boarding business?

FYI: my issue came about because a neighbor complained to the city. However we only host small dogs under 20lbs and there's never a noise issue.

Comments

My friend is having the same problem and she is with Rover.com also. Animal control told her there was no way she would get a permit for boarding but she could for dog walking. That is what she is working on right now. I believe the dog walking license is easy to get. Good LUCK!

Amber G.'s profile image Amber G.

3 Answers

Sort by ยป oldest newest most voted
score:
1
Karen R.'s profile image

Apparently any boarding of animals for a fee out of your home in the State of NC qualifies as a kennel and requires licensing:

http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/AWS/

You would have to check with your city to find out about the zoning restrictions where you now live.

score:
0
Lauren L.'s profile image

I had a complaint from a neighbor recently and was just issued a cease and desist order as well. I have been doing this for over a year in my home and I didn't realize I was doing anything wrong. From the sounds of it, everyone doing daycare and boarding through sites like Rover, Wag, http://Care.com are most likely all breaking their zoning regulations unknowingly due to the platform provided to them. I am working towards appealing this and trying to get an exception made, but I have no idea if people have any luck with this or if everyone is just doing this blindly until they get caught. Any update with you guys?

Comments

Zoning is very much a local issue, so you can't say that most sitters are likely breaking the law. Each state defines what constitutes a kennel/business, but then the local municipality determines the zoning and what kind of establishments can go into an area.

Karen R.'s profile image Karen R.

Many, Rover sitters are in violation of local laws so I have to disagree since so few actually check to see if any license is required or if home boarding is allowed. All I have to do is check 1 county over Fairfax VA where home boarding isn't allowed at all yet I find hundreds of home boarders

Walt G.'s profile image Walt G.

Walt, I don't dispute but take issue with broad statements. From what I've looked at, some states allow people to have up to 10 dogs w/o needing a license. If you're in a residential area, then zoning can be v stringent. I was surprised to find the first floor of my two flat used to be dry cleaners!

Karen R.'s profile image Karen R.

Walt, you brought up VA, so I looked. To be a business/kennel, it has to be 5 or more dogs or animals.

Karen R.'s profile image Karen R.

Walt, you brought up VA, so I looked it up. To be a business/kennel, it has to be 5 or more dogs or animals.

Karen R.'s profile image Karen R.

Fairfax County VA has laws specific to them, no home base businesses allowed and especially no home boarding. I know several sitters who got cease and desist visits from animal control. None of the independents offer this service because of it

Walt G.'s profile image Walt G.

Again, I am not disputing. Every place is different. That county has outlawed so yes any sitters in Fairfax Cty are doing so against the law. and that is very likely in many municipalities across the country. I doubt Lauren will have any success in getting an exception.

Karen R.'s profile image Karen R.
score:
0
Kathleen D.'s profile image

Hi Heather, I don't know where you live but go online and check with your city and county codes and see how many dogs would consider it a "commercial kennel". That might help you fight city/county hall. Sounds like you may need to get a license. Do the dogs bark a lot/create a noise nuisance? Do you know your neighbor or know why they complained? Good Luck.

Comments

I talked with my city and told them I only keep one dog at a time and I was told it is still considered a kennel

Shari B.'s profile image Shari B.
Related questions

What Does the Fee Include?

How do you handle when owners are stuck in another state because of storm? Charge more for the nights proceeding? Same rate?

Are the Rover sitters bonded and licensed?

How do you ensure fleas aren't an issue

How do I get paid if the dog stays an extra night?

Do you let guest dogs sleep with you?

Would anyone from the eastbay of S.F. like to carpool to the Reindeer Parade on 12/14? Posted by Monica P. in Walnut Creek, CA

Is it safe to do a spend the night meet and greet at the clients home?

Is the Rover Protection Worth the cost?

How much should I charge for dog walking?

DISCLAIMER: The information made available on this forum is provided by third parties and not by Rover.com. As further set forth in our Terms of Service, Rover.com does not make any warranties regarding such information, and you should conduct your own diligence before relying on it.

Need Help?

© 2016 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.