San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties v. WAG Hotels

San Francisco, California, civil litigatoin lawyer representeds the Defendant charged with violation of California Pet Boarding law.



"For many of us, pets are members of the family,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. "When we drop them off at a boarding facility, we do so expecting that they will be treated like beloved family members. This settlement helps ensure that Wag Hotels lives up to these high standards. I want to thank San Francisco Animal Care and Control for assisting in this investigation. I also want to acknowledge the work of my fellow District Attorneys and the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, with whom we formed a strong partnership in this investigation.”



"Our pets are integral members of our families, and we want to ensure they are safe in boarding facilities,” said City Attorney David Chiu. "We are pleased to reach this settlement with Wag to ensure our furry friends are in good hands. I am grateful for the work and partnership with San Francisco Animal Care and Control, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and the Santa Clara and San Mateo District Attorneys to achieve this paw-sitive result.”



"San Francisco Animal Care & Control is dedicated to upholding animal welfare laws,” said Amy Corso, Deputy Director of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. "Our agency is pleased with the operational reforms that will help keep dogs safe and healthy while staying at Wag Hotel.”

The judgment includes comprehensive injunctive terms requiring Wag Hotels to comply with the laws pertaining to pet boarding facilities. It requires the

company to institute operational reforms, including:



• The creation and maintenance of an animal welfare department, overseen by a qualified animal safety coordinator;

• The implantation of an employee training program on animal welfare, disease recognition, and emergency response;

• The appointment of a corporate officer with responsibility over facility maintenance, hygiene, and pest control;

• Retention of video surveillance footage for certain animal welfare incidents;

• Designation of an on-call veterinarian or emergency pet hospital to assist with any veterinary needs on a 24-hour basis;

• Detailed recordkeeping and timely reporting of bite incidents to local health authorities; and

• Annual field audits conducted by a qualified auditor.



The judgment also requires Wag Hotels to implement and maintain a Playgroup Safety Program to ensure the proper supervision and management of dogs placed in daytime playgroups. Requirements include monitoring and adjusting dog groups based on each dog’s energy level, size, and temperament to prevent overcrowding, over-stimulation, fatigue, and aggression. The company is also required to maintain at least one separate enclosure available for dogs that appear overstimulated, tired, or aggressive.



Wag Hotels cooperated throughout the investigation. Without admitting liability, it agreed to pay a total of $150,000, consisting of $75,000 in cost reimbursement and $75,000 in civil penalties.