A bill increasing the ability to conduct inspections of animal boarding and grooming facilities going to Virginia House vote as early as Friday, February 14.
Last summer, our team investigated dog deaths related to stays at the PetSmart PetsHotel at Potomac Yard. In the end, the PetsHotel was cleared of criminal wrongdoing due to insufficient evidence as determined by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. However, we did not believe the care provided at the PetsHotel during the time of the dogs’ stay was of an exceptional caliber due to the high number of animals being housed in relation to care staff.
This case brought attention to the fact that animal boarding facilities in Virginia, unlike animal shelters, are not subject to annual inspections, and instead are only subject to inspection if a complaint is filed.
We encouraged our community to reach out to state representatives to enact regulations and inspections for animal boarding facilities. We were thrilled when two legislators proposed companion bills in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate to begin addressing the issue.
Senator Ebbin introduced SB 1051 and Delegate Lopez introduced HB 2313. Both bills initially required annual inspections by a state veterinarian, but due to fiscal impacts, they were amended to allow unannounced inspections by the local municipality’s animal control agency.
**Senator Ebbins bill is going to the House floor for a vote as early as tomorrow, Friday, February 14.**
While set regulations and required inspections would be ideal, the ability to conduct inspections of animal boarding/grooming facilities – without a complaint first being made – and make recommendations based on best practices would begin to ensure there is at least some oversight of an unregulated industry.
We encourage you to contact your VA State Delegate and ask them to vote “yes” on SB 1051.